As lo-fi basement black metal and carbon copy metalcore bands seem to be dominating heavy metal's creative output during COVID, it's great to hear a band who are really trying to establish their own sound. Æpoch's newest release, The Scryer, is an incredibly ambitious effort from the Cambridge, Ontario-based band.
Æpoch's skill have always been impressive but with their newest release, it has become undeniable. Restraining the juvenile desire to establish technical dominance through the sheer density of notes played, displays a maturing of their writing process resulting in thoughtful compositions. Flirtations with prog still appear throughout the album but never become pretentious, with a notable example being the acoustic prelude that invokes a brief memory of Opeth.
Despite the additional flavouring, Æpoch remain deeply rooted in their death/thrash level of speed, delivering finely tuned and purposeful transitions and brutal riffs that make this album so impressive. The ravenous energy captured on The Scryer presents a band that are hungry with a desire for distinction from their Canadian peers.
(Independent)Æpoch's skill have always been impressive but with their newest release, it has become undeniable. Restraining the juvenile desire to establish technical dominance through the sheer density of notes played, displays a maturing of their writing process resulting in thoughtful compositions. Flirtations with prog still appear throughout the album but never become pretentious, with a notable example being the acoustic prelude that invokes a brief memory of Opeth.
Despite the additional flavouring, Æpoch remain deeply rooted in their death/thrash level of speed, delivering finely tuned and purposeful transitions and brutal riffs that make this album so impressive. The ravenous energy captured on The Scryer presents a band that are hungry with a desire for distinction from their Canadian peers.