EP Review: Ophelia's Eye-Severance

Artwork courtesy of San PR

Words by Anselm Anderson

returns with their to date. has been following the band since their inception over a decade ago. The band has experienced various and explored . I was surprised to discover how dark their music has become and how much more technical it is now.

The band formed in 2019 in , as a but has become heavier and more aggressive, evolving into a with newer members: lead vocalist Jan Brasser, drummer , and guitarist . These members have concentrated on a more technical guitar sound, faster drumming, and harsher vocals. This five-track EP explores darker themes of the human condition and social injustice. The album reflects the turmoil in the world and the inner struggles the band has experienced over the years. It features the raw, aggressive metal of the opener "," which includes guttural howls and rhythmic patterns that are incisive and cutting, creating a thematic metal sound.

The band feels they have finally arrived with their fresh, unique sound. "" showcases a more modern approach, featuring technical guitar work and a sonically enhanced blend of metal. The haunting, harsh vocals and soaring melodic lines are set against a backdrop of ferocious drumming, creating an overall sound that is both hostile and captivating in this release.

Photo credit:

Ophelia's Eye delves deeply into their sound with intricate guitar work and cinematic elements. The eerie, menacing, tuned-down basslines in "" create a horror-like sense of isolation, juxtaposed with the harrowing screams of Jan Brasser. The carefully structured riffs build up to a sound that hits like a sledgehammer to the stomach. The use of cinematic elements continues in "Severance," a modern metal track that features a combination of harsh and clean vocals set against a backdrop of sharp guitar riffs. This creates a tension-filled tug-of-war as the aggressive instrumentals clash with the more melodically focused vocals.

The EP concludes with the haunting ballad "Letters," which features Brasser alongside guitarist Corinne Ryter, adding a European touch to the album.

Ophelia's Eye has certainly broadened its horizons with this release. The band's exploration of a darker, heavier sound allows them to experiment with different styles and instrumentation, providing them a pathway to the mainstream.

If you want to learn more about Ophelia's Eye, you might want to read these previous reviews;

https://anselmanderson.blogspot.com/2021/10/ep-review-ophelias-eye-fight-for-us.html

https://anselmanderson.blogspot.com/2022/05/album-of-week-ophelias-eye-hopeless.html

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Social Media Links

https://open.spotify.com/artist/3hL6CM4UlNgPOtYttvDLPA
https://www.youtube.com/c/OpheliasEyeBand
https://www.instagram.com/ophelias_eye
https://www.facebook.com/OpheliasEye
https://www.opheliaseyeband.com/

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