ALBUM REVIEW: Pathos – Eclipser

Dissonance, misanthropy and bleakness are the order of the day for Canadian newbies ECLIPSER. Channelling philosophies, esoteric theologies and blasphemy into their own brand of blackened death metal makes for essential listening. Debut album Pathos sees these morbid Canadians bring together their collection of emotionally disturbing terrors written in their first year as an entity. ECLIPSER create disturbing sonic soundscapes with a veil of the worst of the human condition. Like their namesake, the band eclipse all optimism.

Dusk spells the end of the day when the oppressive darkness begins to weigh down as the night draws in. All glimpses of sunlight vanish, much like all the hope and light which removes itself when the first notes of On Mournful Waves OF Eternal Dusk play. The chaos ensues with ferocious drumming and the deceivingly complex guitars kick in. Metallic goodness collides with blackened monstrosities creating a devastating impact. Vocalist Francesco Falsetto is an unstoppable force, screeching his way through proceedings.

Things take a menacing turn with Coagulation with its darker tones and hellish riffs. The vocals dominate a tad too much when the guitars and excellent basslines could really excel here. The dark rumbles and disorientating riffs obliterate the senses, leaving listeners at their mercy. The title of The Key Of Grievous Calamity hints at the chaos which awaits. The crushing atmosphere and technicality can only be described as what THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER would sound like if they spawned from Hell itself.

Dismal Luminaries continue their blackened deeds with the blistering vocals leading the siege. The complexity of the song is again often obscured by these screeches, but this says more about the mix than their actual songwriting. There is a sense of the epic surrounding Cruel Is The Light To Thee with its monstrous energy and flow. If Dani Filth was to front a death metal band then it would sound something like ECLIPSER. Each component has its moment to shine here especially the beastly guitar solo courtesy of Christian Beaupré. The cruelty and malice dripping from each note and scream is formidable, making Cruel Is The Light To Thee a standout track on Pathos.

The tumultuous Sorrow Spirals is full of blackened woe. The sheer power and brutality on display from all counterparts is awe-inducing. It is the dark depths of feeling however which is so compelling. The overall tone created by the blackened guitars and destructive vocals really express the sorrow and despair the title makes reference to. ENSLAVED fans would adore this track. Sorrow Spiral triggers the most emotional response on the album and it is lethal. Pathos concludes with its mammoth title track. An absolutely crushing finale, it’s a little less over the top than some of its predecessors but that only results in a more focused assault.

Pathos as a whole is an extremely promising debut from a band only two years into their career. Seven songs just isn’t enough for Pathos but this only signals a positive sign of what is hopefully to come. If a listener is wanting more, ECLIPSER will have a strong springboard for the next album. Avoid this band at your peril.

Rating: 7/10

Pathos is set for release September 6th via Noise Salvation Records. 

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