The Pitch: Euphoreon is a two-piece unit from New Zealend consisting of Matt Summerville and Eugen Dodenhoeft (Far Beyond). "Ends of the Earth delivers a signature Euphoreon sound with aggressive and melodic soundscapes encompassing influences from a range of different metal genres." FFO: Equilibrium, Ensiferum, Silence Lies Fear
What I Like: I somehow overlooked Euphoreon when this album dropped in April, but all it took was the first two tracks to know that I couldn't let this slip by without sharing it. Obviously, the term "epic" gets thrown around a lot, but there is a time and place for every word and this just happens to be it. With a similar style and scale to early Equilibrium, the music of Ends of the Earth could be described in no other way. Windswept walls of synth and intensely catchy melodeath riffs combine to create some truly breathtaking atmospheres. The vocals and certain leads recall Windir, but on a much more grand, folk metal scale. There are moments on "Euphoria" and "Mirrors" that bring me to my knees. The choir, the strings and keys, the soaring guitar melodies... it all comes together perfectly to create one of the most blissfully cathartic albums I've heard this year.
Critiques: Some of these tracks could probably use just a little trimming here and there, but for the most part this is perfection.
The Verdict: Ends of the Earth is monumental achievement and an album that absolutely deserves more press than it's getting. It's easily poised to be one of the best of the genre this year. Don't sleep on Euphoreon or you will regret it.
Flight's Fav's: Euphoria, Ends of the Earth, Mirrors
- Review by FlightOfIcarus
If you enjoyed this article, be sure to share it with others to help us grow. You can also like and follow us on the social media of your choice with Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and support us on Patreon.