EP REVIEW: Tragedy Eternal – Draconian Reign
In recent years the deathcore genre has well and truly been revitalised by a string of innovative musicians leaving their stamp on what was becoming a downtrodden wasteland of uninspiring clones. UK symphonic deathcore upstarts DRACONIAN REIGN have already made their presence felt during their short residence and are hoping to strike while the iron is hot by swiftly following up debut EP Necromantic with another round of brutality known as Tragedy Eternal which is available now via Seek & Strike. Will this effort keep the wheels of momentum firmly spinning?
The Darkness Below sets an ominous tone as the landscape becomes shrouded by darkness. Before you know it you are welcomed into the fray with gruesome vocal assaults and savage blast beats. The formidable instrumental surge joins forces with alluring orchestral elements. Before The Gates continues the evil, sinister mood as jarring riff work rattles your skull. Raspy guttural vocal lines sent straight from the depth of hell send shivers down your spine.
Infernal Requiem possesses an alluring heftiness that is further amplified by plentiful bouts of adrenaline fuelled carnage. The well defined phases create an additional level of drama to proceedings, appropriately rounded off with a monstrous breakdown. The Funeral exudes solemn, emotive melodies before returning to the fiery realms of hell for one last volley of violence. Exemplary drum sequences fit the arrangement like a sharply spiked glove as blood curdling vocal expulsions run amok. Impressive leadwork is also unleashed to add an emphatic exclamation point.
Tragedy Eternal is a compact powerhouse of combustible elements which nicely builds up your anticipation before departing, anxiously leaving you wanting more. DRACONIAN REIGN have confidently cemented their vision this time around and have shown great promise for what may follow. A solid outing which will definitely pique interest for their upcoming live shows and beyond.
Rating: 8/10
Tragedy Eternal is out now via Seek & Strike.
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