ARTS OF EREBUS
An open case of Parousia
The long-awaited 'second advent' (sometimes called parousia) of Arts of Erebus is now complete. As stated by "On the edge of insanity" EP (which was released in advance the last year), the French-Germans has reborn into a darker projection of themselves. Rightly titled "An open Case of Parousia", the new album offers inspirational guitar-driven soundscapes which are lyrically placed somewhere between life and death. As episodes of the same reverie, each track gives way to the other in a flowing manner taking the listener into an obscure (even oddly soothing) atmosphere. Deeply felt vocals by Raven Burroughs, who skillfully combines throaty moans and harmonious tones while performing, built up an emotional core along with the shimmering chords counterpoint. Distant-sounding guitars and well-managed synth melodies fit that backbone, amplifying the elegiacal ambiance. But make no mistake, Arts of Erebus knows how to achive a right balance between sound environment and dynamysm. Without undermining the track's soul, the band powers the formula with their hallmark riffs and rhythms. Also they keep the things atractive through constant pace changes. The steady bass lines make the rest, compacting and bestowing the compositions with a solemn temper. Thus, Arts of Erebus' two-fold nature is further reinforced through the new repertoire. Evocative downtempos such as the grandiose epilogue "The Die Cast" and epic anthems like "Shadow of Life", coexist with hook-laden gothic rock gems such as "Ghost of War" or "Requiescal in Pace", just to name a few. There's no fillers in this album so it's hard to avoid the continuous playback. Adding to the aforementioned incentives, the elegantly enhanced production and the conveyed message coherence must be remarked. Without detracting the band's previous work at all, "An open Case of Parousia" is their best release so far. There is nothing predictable about the structures here, which makes this album fascinating, more of an exploration than merely a listen. "What if you wander upon Elysian Fields. What if you have got all you ever wanted." Just reflect on these words and then let the imagination run free while listening. At that very moment, an intense gothic rock experience will be revealed to you.
Review by Billyphobia
- 01. Ouverture: (Death Shall Have No Dominion)
- 02. On The Edge Of Insanity
- 03. Spark Of Hope
- 04. Ghost Of War
- 05. Gates Of Hades
- 06. Point Of No Return
- 07. The Wanderer Between Life And Death
- 08. Shadow Of Life
- 09. Insight In Darkness
- 10. Requiescal In Pace
- 11. Epilogue: The Die Is Cast