Enochian Theory: Evolution Creation Ex Nihilio

First full length album from a band who have been on my radar since hearing the excellent download single 'Namyamka', originally released back in 2007. Since that time internal upheavals have led to the departure of guitarist and founder member Scott Ware but the remaining trio of Sam Street (drums), Ben Harris-Hayes (vocals and guitars) and Shaun Rayment (bass) have pushed on and Evolution: Creation Ex Nihilio is the end product of a lot of hard work and perseverance. The basic trio are supplemented by what is termed as the Lost Orchestra on keyboards and additional sounds and orchestration and this expanded element is very much a key feature of the Enochian Theory sound. Whilst they have been warmly welcomed by some key players in the industry they are very much a self-sufficient operation who have released this on their own label and so consequently on their own terms. The attention to detail spans not just the music but also the striking artwork and packaging and also noteworthy is the involvement of Swedish producer David Castillo (Opeth, Katatonia, InMe).

For a three piece they have a huge, anthemic sound that on the surface often seems light and reflective but with a simmering dark undercurrent that makes for a compelling experience, nowhere is this better evidenced than the psychotic 'A Monument to the Death of an Idea' or the three part epic that is 'The Dimensionless Monologue'. But to take one or two songs in isolation does the rest a disservice as the thirteen tracks are best appreciated as a whole. Modern prog, prog metal, melodic metal are all tags that could arguably be applied here but Enochian Theory are not a band that can be easily pigeonholed and the bottom line is big, stuttering riffs with varied arrangements. The aching isolation of 'The Fire Around The Lotus' finds the vocals deviating between Muse-like melodica to death metal aggression and is shotgun blast effective. 'Apathia' is a doomy brew of brutal, thunderous riffing that boasts some delicate clean guitar lines in the mid-section breakdown before the Lost Orchestra take over for the coda. Contrast this with the careworn, sweeping ballad that is 'Movement' and you will have a good indication of the sheer diversity that is much in evidence. Elsewhere, 'Waves of Ascension ' and 'The Living Continuum' both evoke an ethereal landscape full of atmosphere and emotion.

To sum up this is wonderfully crafted and executed release and even more importantly ends up being best described as unique. Unquestionably the kind of album that reveals more with each subsequent listen it will be on my playlist for a considerable period of time. Keep an eye out for this band they have a great future ahead of them.

Track Listing
1. Every Ending Has A Beginning
2. The Dimensionless Monologue i Tedium
3. The Dimensionless Monologue ii The Dimensionless Monologue
4. The Dimensionless Monologue iii T.D.M.
5. At Great Odds With
6. Apathia
7. Triumvarate
8. Movement
9. After The Movement
10. Waves of Ascension
11. The Fire Around The Lotus
12. The Living Continuum
13. A Monument To The Death Of An Idea

Added: June 8th 2009
Reviewer: Dean Pedley
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 4040
Language: english

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