Epoch of Unlight - What Will Be Has Been (1999)

 

Country: U.S.A.
Genre: Death Metal
Style: Melodic Death Metal
Label Number: TE008
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© 1998 The End Records
Review by Brian Meloon for Chronicles of Chaos.com
Epoch of Unlight are from Tennessee and play an impressive variety of blackened death metal. The description "an evil In Flames" would be appropriate, although a little misleading. Their basic style is melodic death metal, but with a black metal feel. Part of this black metal feel comes from the chaotic and disjointed way that the music is played. The drums are very busy, throwing in fills constantly, and changing patterns (including some blast beats) very quickly and often. There is often a strong decoupling of the guitars and the drums, with polymetrics used frequently. In some places, the two guitars, the vocals and the drums are all playing independent lines. This gives the music a slightly sloppy sound, which, along with the raspy vocals, yields the black metal comparisons. The production is good, but it could use a little more power: the guitars sound a little weak (adding to the black metal feel), and a thicker, denser sound would've made the music more effective. Despite the album's black metal sound, the guitar parts are mostly death metal. They are moderately melodic, but not as hook heavy as bands like In Flames. In contrast with the drums, the guitar parts aren't overly complex, though they are inventive and interesting at times. Overall, I find this a very good offering. At times it's a demanding listen, and at others I find it a little lacking. Still, they're one band I'll be looking forward to hearing more of in the future.

tags: epoch of unlight, what will be has been, 1999, flac,