EVEMASTER
"Wither"
(Crash/Low Frequency; 2004)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
As I understand it, Finland's Evemaster have been steadily improving upon their brand of Scandinavian black metal for quite a few years now. "Wither" is Evemaster's second full-length CD and what I hear is a band rooted in black metal but fully embracing melodic death metal (including simple melody) and progressive elements while including symphonic elements as well. Many call this style 'dark metal' although I must admit I haven't quite got my arms wrapped around whatever this style is.
My first couple of spins of "Wither" left me indifferent so I left it alone for about a month. This gave me a chance to revisit what Evemaster had to offer without my original impressions lingering in my head. I was much more pleased with Evemaster the second time around.
"Wither" is chock full of energy and speedy rhythms in the vein of melodic death metal while never abandoning black metal idioms or progressive ideas. What I'm trying to say is that Evemaster aren't so over-the-top that the listener loses sight of the band's melodic death/black metal roots. I hear a lot of Lothlorien's morose style with respect to the lyrics and vocal delivery as well. The disc opener "Disgraceful" is quite catchy and something you'll want to hear again and again. I'm never shy to work my way through epic songs and the nine-minute "Nothing But Grey" is a progressive number that doesn't abandoned the band's desired style.
Evemaster cover Tarot's "Wings Of Darkness" – although I am not familiar with the original, Evemaster's performance makes me want to seek out the original version.
Evemaster's "Wither" does not break any new ground, but it combines several Scandinavian styles quite well as to be a certain crowd pleaser for many heavy metal fans.
"Wither" was produced by Anssi Kippo (Children Of Bodom, Insomnium, Entwine).
Evemaster is Jarno Taskula on vocals, Tomi Mykkanen on guitars and bass, Anssi Kippo on synthesizer, Jaska Raatikainen (Children Of Bodom) on drums, and Marco Hietala on backing vocals.
For more information visit http://www.evemaster.net/.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2004 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 02 Dec 2024 11:50:50 -0500.
