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| 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
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
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