Eths: Ankaa

This album is getting lots of positive attention from reviewers excited about Eths' increased aggressiveness. There's no denying the band's heavier sound, not to mention the increasingly eclectic and ambitious song arrangements. In fact, the tracks here mostly lean on that heaviness even though they all show off the band's fascination with mixing things up. There are also some gestures toward ambience that are interesting and engaging. At times, the music leans toward more comfortable territory; "Alnilam," for example, clearly embraces its status as a single, but there's no reason to fault a band for reaching out to a wide audience. After all, Eths does have something to prove. This time around, the goal is to show that the music is only going to get better and that the band isn't going anywhere.

For most people, the best thing here is the band's willingness to make the most of new vocalist Rachel Aspe. Best known for her viral video from a French talent show, Aspe belts out thick and intense vocals that are also consistently strong and brutal. There are times when she shows off a quieter, melodic, side but it is used mostly to create atmosphere rather than for the mostly annoying "beauty and the beast" style of singing. I have no doubt that Aspe's vocals will draw plenty of new listeners to this band.

I agree with other reviewers who find this album heavier than other work by Eths. It's not only heavier, it's more aggressive and more playful. Fans of the band will want to check this one out, as will listeners who are curious about a popular French metal band. I admired the ambitious song arrangements and the flirting with ambience.

Track Listing:
1. Nefas
2. Nihil Sine Causa
3. Amaterasu
4. Seditio
5. Nixi Dii
6. Vae Victis
7. HAR1
8. Sekhet Aaru
9. Kumari Kandam
10. Alnitak
11. Alnilam
12. Mintaka

Added: June 9th 2016
Reviewer: Carl Sederholm
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 1863
Language: english

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