ALBUM REVIEW: Mend – Eidola

Salt Lake’s own progressive metal marvels EIDOLA were heaped with praise as a result of 2024’s Eviscerate release. As part of a double-header, they are back once more with accompanying full-length Mend. Due for release on January 17th via Blue Swan Records/Rise Records this effort is considered to be the ‘light’ to Eviscerate‘s ‘dark’. How will it shape up?

EIDOLA have stated that Mend will be all about pushing their boundaries, introductory piece Brahman: Garden Of Eden immediately embodies that declaration with a dramatic array of instrumentation. Prodigy is brimming with accessible melodies and addictive hooks. Frontman Andrew Michael Wells effortlessly captivates with his silky smooth vocal deliveries. Empire Of Light sustains that energy with slick rhythms that are cleverly layered with sprinkles of technicality. The invigorating tempo and inviting punchiness make it impossible not to vibe along. My Father’s House possesses a vibrant palette of colours that is bolstered by prominent bass lines. The segments of quick-fire lyricism are particularly impressive.

Kaleidoscope picks up the intensity with frenetic drum sequences and a heightened sense of urgency. Bursts of aggression make their presence felt as the track progresses. A Pearl In A Dead Sea embraces a myriad of effects and experimentation, teetering on that fine line between genius and madness. Blood In The Water ebbs and flows between subtle melodies and gripping intricacy intertwined within a continuously shifting narrative. Unlike its frantic counterpart, Renaissance offers an emotive and heartfelt piano/vocal combo.

What It Means To Be Alone delves back into the realms of electronica as pulsing beats form the backbone of the arrangement. Restore Me combines solemn thematics with a mixture of inventive instrumentation that is as enticing as it is abruptly jarring. The Faustian Spirit ups the ante with sprightly riff work and potent drumming colliding in explosive fashion. Godhead: First Temple injects some heaviness as powerful vocal blasts get the blood pumping. Flamboyant flourishes are scattered throughout to add some additional flair. Revelation: The Infinite Beauty Of Oneness keeps the creative juices flowing until the very end with a variety of stylistic shifts to keep you guessing.

EIDOLA have definitely put their money where their collective mouth is, Mend showcases a broad spectrum of musicality and creativity which will require multiple listens to unpack. Whilst it comes equipped with a whole host of standout moments, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of compatriot, Eviscerate. It does, however, display the exciting characteristics of a band who are unafraid to wander into the unknown which makes any future works quite the intriguing prospect.

Rating: 8/10

Mend is set for release on January 17th via Blue Swan Records/Rise Records.

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