BY STEVE THIRIOT
Epidermal Veil, the Icelandic technical death metal ensemble, has truly made a statement with their debut EP "Psalms of the Flayed". From the isolated reaches of Reykjavik, this band has crafted a technical, intricate, and utterly brutal musical narrative that surely elevates the status of the Icelandic death metal scene.
"Psalms of the Flayed", released via CDN Records, tells a spine-chilling cosmic story of the deity Ursath and his savage invasion of Earth. Told in five captivating tracks, it’s a death metal opera of cosmic proportions ; an ambitious project for a debut release, but one Epidermal Veil carries out with great confidence.
Opening track, "Crimson Sky", is an electrifying introduction that assaults the listener's senses with its intense tempo and devastating riffs, demanding immediate attention. It sets the tone for the roller coaster to follow.
"My Wish Your Veil of Flesh" bombards you with a relentless fury of blast beats and classic death metal riffs, with lyrical content as gruesome as the track's title suggests.
"A Darkened Wasteland" builds on this momentum, with the chaos of Ursath's invasion personified in its chaotic soundscapes and thunderous drumming.
"Swarm of Ursath", the fourth track, brings a minor gothic element to the sonic onslaught, with a dark organ opening that gives way to a cacophony of bone-crushing riffs.
Lastly, "Reapers Nectar" introduces a somber vocal intro possibly from the deity Ursath himself; that soon descends into utter chaotic guitars. It's a final, ferocious blow, an impressive end to a truly gut-wrenching album.
What sets this album apart from its contemporaries is not only its well-written narrative, but also its high production quality. The mix is clean, balancing the instrumental chaos with a satisfying clarity. The technical prowess of each band member is evident, and the EP's production quality ensures that this talent shines through.
"Psalms of the Flayed" is a journey into a world of interstellar conflict, terrifying deities, and a devastated Earth. Epidermal Veil expertly blends their influences into a cohesive and original sound. With this release, they've made a formidable entrance onto the death metal scene, crafting a record that is both technically impressive and immediately captivating. It's a grim, exhilarating listen that is bound to make waves in the world of extreme metal.
A bleak yet brilliant debut, "Psalms of the Flayed" is a thrilling statement of intent from Epidermal Veil. They're a band to keep an eye on in the world of technical death metal. This is a ride no death metal fan should miss.
Listen to the EP HERE