EP REVIEWS by Spiros Smyrnis
46
E.V.E - EP
Seed of Sadness EP
E.V.E means Equations Vanquish Equality and is a band- project from American-Greek singer Vicky Psarakis started in 2010. E.V.E have written prog rock interludes with fusion and jazz elements. I have to admit that the main reason I’ve listened carefully to this E.P is the fact that the drums were recorded from the one and only George Kollias (Nile, Nightfall). I respect the fact that E.V.E are diversified from the most female fronted metal bands with the metalcore background and female/ opera like vocals.
Melodic Metal. A replete genre. Melodic metal with female vocals. An even more replete genre. Seed of Sadness came from Greece and this is their first EP with five tracks. Stellaria on vocals, Johnny Nore on guitars, Mike G. on bass and Johnny K. on drums decided to form a band in order to make known to us all their exceptional skills. Featuring Bob Katsionis (Firewind, Outloud) Seed of Sadness EP sounds as it should be. Especially the “Final Dance” and “Remnant of a Dying Smile”.
Vicky has a wonderful, soft voice which reminds me in some parts the goddess Anneke (The Gathering, Anneke). The E.V.E Ep is “adapted” to Vicky’s voice and performance, framed by excellent musicians like Elias Nousis (bass,guitars, saxophone) and George Kollias (drums). Translucent melodies in a dreamscape, it was the first think I thought listening to “Perpetual Dreamers”. I loved the successful combination of saxophone with electric guitars. E.V.E managed to sound not awkward at all. EP’s introduction “Poetic Injustice” is “stolen” from a futuristic soundtrack, while acoustic guitar solo on “The Planet’s Cry” is anothe reason to enjoy this EP. The lyrics dealing with human corruption and stuff we are all passing through these days. A tender approach to reality with enchanted melodies and addictive vocals. Give em a shot. EVE certainly worth it.
Seed of Sadness avoid this road. Seed of Sadness have all that it takes to fulfill One Band’s dream, paraphrasing the title of their EP’s last track.
Dimebag’s death from his old buddy Phil. Two years ago “Diary of A Mad Band” prove that they kick asses live too. 2011 Rex Brown left the band and Pat Bruders (Goatwhore, Eyehategod, Crowbar) replaced him. Nowadays The Purple Ep (the first one of the four finally the band release) came out in stores. Six tracks are not enough for their fans. We want more and we cannot wait anymore.
Down IV Part1 - The Purple EP There are bands. There are also BANDS. Down are BAND. Period. 1995 the supergroup released one of the 90s’greatest album, NOLA. Phil Anselmo (singer of Pantera) and one of metal community’s semi gods joined forces with Huge Pepper Keenan (Corrosion of Conformity) Kirk Windstein (Crowbar) Todd Strange (Crowbar) and Jimmy Bowen (Eyehategod). Seven years later the Bustle in your Hedgerow leaved us admiring the best band alive in those days. Rex Brown (Pantera) replaced Todd Strange. In 2007 “Over the under” confirmed their name, an album dedicated to
BURST { music magazine }
The participation of a hi-class player like Bob Katsionis gives the extra credit to Seed of Sadness’ work. Excellent guitar themes, riffs and solos “bring back melodies to the house” of heavy metal. Shredding guitars meets a solid rhythm section while Stellaria’s voice range is impressive. I’m not the biggest fan of melodic metal, but I really enjoy listening to this EP. The biggest problems of melodic bands, though they have been constituted from great players is that their sound is so complicated. So many meaningless solos, hi-pitched screams and boring choruses.
Back from New Orleans’ swamps they begin their journey through muddy waters. “Witchtripper “ is going to bewitch you like a spell. Levitation though is my personal favorite. A riff machine with a groovy bridge that’s so heavy. The Curse on the other hand is the only cursed you beg to find you with a great guitar solo by Kirk. This Work is Timeless has a rhythm section like a punch in your face in a fight without end. Anselmo sings, screams, cries like a maniac in a room with no exit. Rough, heavy, southern, dirty the Purple EP sounds as it should be. Rise from the dead like the “Misfortune Teller” said. The wooden cross on the album cover pays the tribute to Black Sabbath, the fathers of us all metalheads. Obey their sons, Down.