Skip to main content

EP REVIEW- AMBRIUS- EFFIGIES OF TIME

Photo Credit: Arc Photography

Newly formed dark metal outfit Ambrius arrive on the metal scene with their self-released debut EP Effigies of Time. The band hail from Gloucester in England and consists of former members of metal acts Oakhaart and Tempestora. The band combines dark orchestral pieces with symphonic elements and clean and harsh vocals.

I don't usually review such bands, but my interest was piqued when I read their backstory. Produced by lead singer Sam Shiers, 'Effigies of Time' is a six-track release that is as experimental to the band, as it is for the listener. The band were growing weary of the music industry and decided to put away their instruments and microphone. This was until they came to the decision to form Ambrius from the ashes of those former bands to create a sound of their own. 

The self-titled track 'Effigies of Time' combines haunting piano keys and slow, eerie orchestral passages that build to its frightening opener 'Self-Reflection' a menacing seven minutes of technical metal wizardry and pain-staking harsh vocals that tell the tale of struggles with self-identity in the world of social media. Sam Shiers' multi-layered vocals reflect the true horrors of pain with blood-curdling vocal melodies that sound like an uncomfortable reality.
'Breathe' carries on a similar trend with chugging-guitar riffs and lung-busting vocal melodies. In the shortest track on the EP at 6:14, The band tells the tale of escaping an invaded country through ominous orchestral passages that resonate with the empathic ear. Ambrius prove to be a strong storyteller by creating powerful and moving music through well-structured melodies and elements of heavy metal without being insufferable and bombastic. Each track conveys the raw emotion behind the messages to elicit a glaring response from the listener.
'The Unavoidable Path' follows this order with progressive elements. There is a nice instrumental breakdown in the midsection of this track. Shears' quiet and refrained vocals sing over flamenco guitars that slowly build to harsh macabre vocals, terrifying guitar leads and some deft drumming. 'Red' is the most aggressive and intense track on the release with manic guitar breaks and leads that combine with the anger and sorrow of the vocalist. It is a song that is inspired by the Sophie Lancaster Foundation. And finally, 'The Pulse and The Purpose' wraps up things with ethereal passages and combined harsh/clean vocals and pounding drums.

The EP reflects the different strains, pressures and injustices of our world told through beautiful and, at times, unsettling music. Rating 8/10

Words by Anselm Anderson

🎯 EP Tracklist:

1) Effigies Of Time
2) Self Reflection
3) Breathe
4) The Unavoidable Path
5) Red
6) The Pulse And Purpose

🎯 Ambrius is:

Sam Shiers - Vocals
Jason Deakins - Guitars
Michael Perks - Bass
Alex Hawes - Drums

🎯 Connect with Ambrius:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmbriusOfficial
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8_2enrwKFkAVKf790OcT7A
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambrius_official/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ambrius_official

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Single Review: Allan James- Our dreams

Words were written by Anselm Anderson for Rambling Man's Reviews Allan James  is a much-accomplished singer-songwriter, based in Northern Virginia, USA James is a self-taught musician, who began playing guitar and singing songs aged 8 and by the time he reached his early teens, James had started to record and perform his original music for school, dances, and charities. James returned to the US following a successful stint as host of his own guitar TV show in Iceland, whilst living over there. Allan James achieved critical acclaim following the release of his debut single on local radio stations, as well as releasing  6 albums to date. James has always been at the forefront of utilizing technologies and using the internet to build a fanbase.  He now returns with " Our Dreams", the latest single off his forthcoming new album. A beautifully structured track that captures the soul with its succinct guitar play and poetic lyrics. The track conjures feelings of serenity...
Post a Comment
Read more

Review: Stereophobia- Choke on This

Photo Credit: Eclipse Records   Words written by Anselm Anderson Last week, Stereophobia released their highly anticipated sophomore album, Choke on This , through Eclipse Records. This album follows their 2023 debut, No One Cares, and features a straightforward blend of alt-rock and grunge influences. Stereophobia is a power trio based in Lisbon, Portugal, consisting of guitarist and vocalist Mike Rocha, drummer Daniel Antunes, and bassist Bruno Santos. Produced by Miguel Camillo and mixed, mastered and recorded alongside Stereophobia at MC Studios. Choke on This consists of thirteen tracks filled with musically unsettling tones, angst-driven lyrics, and sonically enriching riffs that cut deep. Photo Credit: Rodrigo Vargas The album opens with an unsettling monologue that transitions into the intense cries of 'Maggots', which combines frenetic riffs and frenzied harsh vocals, propelling this album into a dramatic surge of grunge. The album maintains a grunge essence, echoing ...
Post a Comment
Read more

EP Review: Virtue in Vain-Nothing is All I Am

  CoverArtwork Courtesy of San Pr Words Written by Anselm Anderson Today marks the final chapter of an emphatic trilogy by British Metalcore Heavyweights , Virtue in Vain . Nothing is All I Am ' is the third instalment exploring human emotions and psyche.  The trio began their journey in 2015 with their debut EP,  For All You Know is the Mask I Wore ,  focusing on the loss of identity, before 2019's   Dusk//Dawn looking at the consequences of a terrible night out, whilst 'Nothing is All I Am ' focuses on rebuilding a fractured mind. The trio of lead vocalist Hywel Thomas, guitarist Mason Williams, and drummer Daniel Bryant hail from South Wales deliver another dose of metalcore that hits like a sledgehammer to the head. The band replicates what many other British bands of the genre do, but they bring a story behind their music. Their emotional cries blend with powerful riffs and down-tuned instrumentals that resonate long after the music has stopped. Their...
Post a Comment
Read more