ALBUM REVIEW: Reborn – Ektomorf

EKTOMORF might not have achieved the same level of stardom as some of their thrash metal companions but they are still going strong after 26 years and this is a commendable achievement in its own right. The Hungarian outfit are due to show they have plenty of gas in the tank in the form of impending full length album Reborn which is due for release via Napalm Records. How will this release sit amongst their hefty back catalogue?

Ebullition commences with a powerful stride and gritty vocals to get the ball rolling. Impressive solo work and infectious grooves are introduced to heighten the intensity. Reborn keeps the tempo at a charging pace with hefty riffing and snappy drumming. Just as you get comfortable with the angry, pissed off tones you are greeted with an intriguing melodic segment which throws you off guard and shows EKTOMORF have the ability to switch it up at their disposal. And The Dead Will Walk treads a more ominous, chugging path that is bolstered by stomping guitar work and eerie vocal effects. The structure is pretty linear but serves its purpose.

Fear Me possesses a Ride The Lightning vibe with its opening salvo. The confident tempo provides an addictive quality to proceedings. The melodic lead work seeps back in for another round of enticing riffs to further elevate the track. Where The Hate Conceives takes a solemn acoustic approach, offering up another unexpected, inviting treat that helps keep this album refreshing. This is soon swiftly negated by a return of the sturdy thrash metal method. The track chops and changes in styles quite frequently but is cohesive and solid in construction. The Worst Is Yet To Come brings forth chiming bells and the sounds of thunder lurking in the distance before reprising the chunky, evil tones we have become accustomed to thus far. As the song progresses it begins to fire out some pretty tasty riff work that will get your head bopping along in approval.

Forsaken throws some slick bass lines into the mix as frontman Zoltán Farkas gives his vocal chords a rest and lets the instruments do the talking. A seven minute instrumental is certainly not something which was expected but it is a welcome addition that slots in well amongst its counterparts. Smashing The Past ensures that this release will go out in a furious and frenzied riff assault by kicking it up a gear and charging towards the finish line. It doesn’t let up for even a second as EKTOMORF ensure they spew every last piece of venom left in their bodies into this track, leaving on an exhilarating high.

Reborn isn’t the most groundbreaking album you’ll hear this year but it shows EKTOMORF are willing to get creative rather than become stagnant and too predictable, and for that reason it is worth a listen. Their core sound may not set your soul on fire but there is plenty of exciting elements which hit that sweet spot and will keep you entertained. If you are in search of a solid slab of dirty, downtuned thrash riffing then this may be exactly what you’re looking for.

Rating: 8/10

Reborn is set for release on January 22nd via Napalm Records. 

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