EP REVIEW: An Eye For An Eye – Ethos
This might be some people’s introduction to ETHOS. Lucky them. Given that the band have been knocking around for over 15 years now, with two albums under their belt, the five-piece have somehow eluded a greater spotlight. Their new EP, An Eye For An Eye, might just change that. Not that their previous efforts weren’t much cop, far from it. Their 2012 debut Vessels rightly pricked up more than a few ears on the scene and, between its heavier metal and more technical progressive ideas, 2017’s Shade And Soil produced a buttery discordance that was both smooth and jagged at once; an engaging hacksaw blade that cut equally precise as often as it jumped out of the wood.
An Eye For An Eye has a much tighter grip on harmony when both musical ideas come together but has infused it with one hell of a kick up the backside. The pervasive prog elements punctuate the heavier proceedings, but the whole thing feels much more energetic and “hammer-down” than its forebears. Take Holy Water as the best example there; the breakneck burst of a start is the rocket propellant of the firework that explodes into the dazzling, showy patterns of a highly harmonic chorus, before it flips back and forth without losing either impetus or style. It’s immediately impressive stuff, keeping firmly in line with ETHOS’ clear prioritising of an evolving sound.
That evolution is apparent in more than just the technical, too. This includes a dramatic vocal overhaul that is transformative of the entire proceedings. While An Eye For An Eye doesn’t invent new vocal stylings so much as it springboards off of both previous efforts (plus a decent catalogue of well-known styles and influences; there’s a heavy MUSE-esque presence throughout), attention has clearly been paid to how every part of the package can be played with to create the most dramatic effect.
In and amongst these differences and developments, though, some pieces of the ensemble remain steadfast. Any half-versed listener knows full well anything progressive has lore elements to spare and ETHOS do not buck tradition. Shade And Soil’s Archetype Suite, a three-song storytelling adventure, returns for a new sequel trilogy that, thankfully, doesn’t Star Wars all over itself. Stars Align is a gorgeous medley of precision and power that continues the evocative storytelling trend of the originals, while A New Regime thunders into view with aplomb and styles out what hopefully isn’t the last entry in this saga. Part V feels a little unusual to spotlight, given its length and lack of vocals, but it does contribute to proceedings in its build-up play even if it doesn’t bring much to the EP as a whole.
It’s in keeping, though, with ETHOS’ storytelling chops that An Eye For An Eye feels like a turned page of an EP. The continued evolution of the band is on full display and this record marks a clear pinnacle in both skill levels and creativity coming together. It was already difficult not to look forward to more music from them after their sophomore effort; on this evidence, it’s become all the more tantalising by virtue of what possibilities now lie on the horizon.
Rating: 8/10
An Eye For An Eye is set for release on June 25th via self-release.
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