ALBUM REVIEW: The Great Ascension – Eos

EOS, we are told, “is an entity with a vast and deep history.” This Australian black metal outfit take their name from the Greek Titaness, and goddess of dawn, who would open the gates of heaven for the sun to rise. She is notable for having no known shrines or temples built in her name, and so The Great Ascension was written “with the sole purpose to craft an unheard voice within black metal.” EOS’ debut was conceived over a decade ago, and realised over a four year period, culminating in 2018. Exactly why this material has sat dormant for two years we’re not sure, but as this year draws to a close, The Great Ascension finally sees the light of day on Brilliant Emperor Records.

EOS’ take on black metal alternates between a very classic sound, mired in filth and monotony, and a more contemporary approach, which employs clean, melodic leads in the vein of MGŁA et al –  offsetting this brightness with some deeply buried, subtler riffs. Unfortunately the opening piece and title track doesn’t exhibit these features as well as it should, and misrepresents the quality of the album. Valkyrie and Amour Propre deliver much more in the way of melody and atmosphere respectively, and EOS are at their best in the moments where these elements are brought together. Black Winter Bloodbath, for instance, is straightforward second-wave worship – but very well executed.

“Lyrically,” we are told, “The Great Ascension paints vivid, nightmarish visions of man. The solemn journey through spiritual ecstasy, blood lust and pride.” EOS have done well to render these themes, and by far the most characterful element in that regard is the vocals: the torment and anguish which the voice carries is palpable, and the non-traditional style helps to differentiate an otherwise familiar sound. The heavily triggered bass drumming is likely an artefact of some early 00’s influences and, depending on your perspective, could strike you as pleasantly nostalgic or thoroughly played-out. A little more variety from the rhythm section would have helped to emphasise The Great Ascension’s more dramatic parts.

EOS’ debut is a celebration of a classic black metal sound, all speed and fury, fronted with an especially visceral vocal style. Some clean leads lend a more contemporary feel but for the most part The Great Ascension is rather traditional. While there’s no need to have reinvented the wheel, we would also like to have heard more elements which differentiate EOS and their approach. There can be no complaint about the quality of song writing, which is consistent and engaging, but for an album four years in the making we would have expected much more in the way of cohesion and variety.

Rating: 6/10

The Great Ascension is out now via Brilliant Emperor Records.

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