In Pulverem Reverteris

Ekpyrosis are one of those young bands that make me proud to be Italian; they prove that our country's scene is alive and kicking, filled with young men (and women) who literally BURN with passion and love for the music they play. Our friends here are active since the beginning of 2013 and they quickly began to work on their debut EP, In Pulverem Revertis. With 4 songs, this EP is a true declaration of love for good old black/death metal; the music sounds like it's coming straight from the '80s and early 90's, and it pulses with the uncontaminated energy typical of that period. Fluidly switching between European and American death metal, while displaying good black metal influences (and there even is a bit of doom to be found) the EP is not lacking in variety.

The EP starts with Sepulchral, which features a very good (and short; thank goodness these guys don't employ ENDLESS samples like some bands out there) atmospheric intro before delivering a great riff which shouts "SWEDISH DEATH METAL" from every note. The most expert listeners will notice a clear Dismember-esque flavor in that riff which is similar to the legendary opening riff of Override of the Overture. The song is fast paced, full of punch and it simply makes you want to mosh. We can appreciate the groovy bass lines (courtesy of Marco Cazzaniga) and the early death metal style drumming of Ilaria, who is also impressively proficient in using the double bass pedal. An important characteristic of the band is the double vocals assault, both scream (from guitarist Marco Teodoro) and growl (from the other guitarist, Nicolò) The solo is really good, with a nice melodic touch, and it contributes in making Sepulchral the best song on the EP. The next song, Pulvis Et Umbra, is more black metal oriented regarding the riffing and the vocals, with a prevalence of Marco's eerie screams. While the song is mostly an up-tempo, there are some changes in speed which makes everything more interesting. This track is surely the one which creates the most effective atmosphere. Paradise Lost is a straightforward death metal tune with American old-school death influenced riffs. Nicolò's performance on vocals is at its finest in this track, sounding evil and brutal and delivering an incredible pre-chorus. The chorus is also great thanks to the groovy riffs and to the killer double vocals. The EP ends with Omnia Mors Aequat, which is unique because it explores the slower side of Ekpyrosis's songwriting. The last part of the song is almost doom in tempo, and it CRUSHES. It's heavy as a ton of bricks. If you add a really cool main riff, you definitely have an appropriate closing track.

Now, a few words on the production: this EP sounds really good, very organic and natural, especially regarding the drum kit. While the guys' aim was obviously a sound reminiscent of the good old days, they didn't overlook any detail and achieved a great sound. The guitar tone in particular is GLORIOUS. My only complain is that Marco's bass could have been a bit louder and heavier, but that's not a big problem. Lyrics-wise, Marco and Nicolò have a lot of talent and we can appreciate intellectual lyrics, often literature inspired (Paradise Lost for instance). Long short story, this EP is a blast: filled with passion, energetic, faithful to the genre without being predictable or boring (like an awful lot of "retro" bands nowadays). My only complain is that it's a bit short and I would have liked more slower sections (especially after hearing how awesomely heavy is the one in Omnia Mors Aequat). Keep an eye and an ear on Ekypirosis, they have A LOT more to say and be sure that you won't ever be disappointed by these guys.