Epigram is a melodic black/death metal band from Los Angeles, CA who formed in 2015. This year the trio have unleashed their debut EP titled Shadows. With elements of ghostly piano melodies, Gothenburg influenced riffs and vocals reminiscent of at times of both Silenoz of Dimmu Borgir mixed with the death metal vocals of Leon del Muerte of Impaled. Now it is definitely not a bad thing to have that range in comparison to both of those vocalists so that is something that really goes well for this band. Tracks blend beautifully the lines of melodic death metal, melodic black metal and at times, moments of old school death metal in both vocal styles and melody. The piano work through out the EP is the perfect embellishment to the songs as it never crosses into the overbearing or cheesy boundaries but really gives a strong atmosphere to the release.
Some songs on the album seem more black metal oriented while others feel more death metal driven. For example, the track Darkness to Fear comes in strong as a melodic riff plays and the vocals come in with shear black metal force. Death metal vocals do accompany the main black metal styled vocals at all the perfect times. The track The Weakening is the perfect example of the more death metal oriented style that stands out in this song. Each track is different but not too different to make them not fit on this EP and blend with the other tracks.
The EP is a concrete debut from this relatively young group and Shadows has a solid progressive and melodic sound to it. If you are a fan of Dimmu Borgir, Dissection, At The Gate, Impaled, Saturnian and Abigail Williams then this band is perfect for you. With time, I’m sure Epigram will be a formidable force in the metal realm.
Overall Score: 9.0/10
Review by Neil Andersen
