ALBUM REVIEW: The Eye Is The First Circle – Calligram

UK metal has been in incredible health as of late. With a wave of bands who blur the lines between genres, own their respective sounds and sound absolutely immense, our small island is an epicentre for sheer talent. This applies especially to the more visceral end of the UK metal spectrum. With bands like LEECHED, BEGGAR and VIDEO NASTIES all deploying venomous records this year alone, it’s now the turn of CALLIGRAM to see if they can hit the same stride as their fellow countrymen with their new release; The Eye Is The First Circle.

2017’s Askesis showcased a band with potential as their black metal-meets-hardcore hybrid showcased the sheer ferocity the quintet posses in their arsenal but The Eye Is The First Circle feels like a much more focused and equally visceral affair. From the moment Carne roars into life, CALLIGRAM are gunning for the kill and the record rarely takes its foot off the gas. This is a visceral and high-octane listening experience; one in which will shake you to its very core.

The one-two punch of Serpe and Vivido Perire show CALLIGRAM at their most ruthless as a cacophony of noise is unleashed with maximum venom. Black metal driven guitar work resembles a maelstrom whilst the d-beat driven drumming keeps the momentum surging forward in Serpe, all whilst vocalist Matteo Rizzardo‘s razor-sharp snarls roar above the carnage. Vivido Perire‘s clever utilisation of mood allows the track to switch effortlessly from visceral passages of black metal to sections where the hardcore-leaning side of the band’s sound is allowed to shine as a flurry of palm-muted riffing ensures that the power of the band’s collective punch is as powerful as it can possibly be.

The Eye Is The First Circle is certainly a monstrous affair but there are moments in which CALLIGRAM roll back the intensity, making these moments sound all the more sinister. La Cura‘s ominous sections where the black metal-driven riffs are more mid-paced helps create and maintain an unnerving atmosphere before the band unleash another bout of musical chaos, the way in which Kenosis subsides into a more doom-driven soundscape with a funeral-marching rhythm is very slick and the almost-acoustic opening of Anedonia paints a mournful picture before the band slowly builds this atmosphere before unfolding into another cacophonous passage of vicious black metal. It’s one of the highlights of the record and perfectly reflects the band’s development since their last release.

Building upon the foundations of Askesis, The Eye Is The First Circle is a clear reflection of the growth and maturity of CALLIGRAM. Refining and honing their sound has worked wonders, this is an album that is utterly monstrous from start to finish and will leave you battered and bruised upon its conclusion. Given the sheer strength of UK metal right now, CALLIGRAM can rest assured that with The Eye Is The First Circle, they are now a serious contender to be up there with the upper echelons of our scene.

Rating: 8/10

The Eye Is The First Circle is out now via Prosthetic Records.

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