ELDRITCH
‘Underlying Issues’, the tenth studio album from Eldritch, comes to us from Italy with very complex twists to the stylings. Eldritch has gone through a few changes over the years, but we’re happy to note that they are continuing the technical, dark mood found in their last album, ‘Tasting the Tears’; so, if you enjoyed that, you’ll love this. This album brings the talents of Terence Holler on vocals, Rudj Ginanneschi on guitar, Alessio Consani playing bass, Gabriele Caselli masterfully leading with keyboards, Raffahell Dridge on drums and the very talented Eugene Simone. Simone would also work with Niko Santaniello on engineering and productions. The mixing/mastering work was completed by the wizard-like Simone Mularoni, known worldwide for his vocal work with DGM and Ancient Bards. Not only that, but the artwork for the CD/cover is by Simone Bertozzi, who should sound familiar as he did covers for The Modern Age Slavery, DGM and Deicide. How many Simones were working on this project, anyway?!
It’s refreshing to hear such an assortment of speedy technical and progressive tracks on an album from a group of talented veterans like Eldritch, that is equally as new as it is traditional. However, the lyrics and overall message left me wanting a bit more. I would never feel like changing the station if I heard a track off this album come on local radio; however, I wouldn’t be shocked at all if a few tracks make it into mainstream radio, as they are just as catchy/poppy/generic as many popular acts these days. The odd thing is, I really enjoy Holler’s voice in many of the songs found here; unfortunately, I don’t really think he’s able to portray much of a message given the words he’s singing. Songs like ‘Danger Zone’, ‘Broken’ and ‘The Face I Wear’ have awesome intro guitars along with a catchy chorus, yet kind of go flat when you hear lines like “Broken… Strange things that I’m feelin’ when I think about you…”.
There aren’t really any tracks or moments on this release that stand out as killer songs from the entire album, but I would say some of my favorites would be ‘Bringers of Hate’ with classic call backs to some of the best keyboard melodies out today and ‘Danger Zone’ with a very fun chorus! Overall, I feel like there’s serious potential for these guys to continue putting together terrific albums in the future. Is it as memorable as 1997’s ‘Headquake’? Absolutely not, but there are excellent moments on ‘Underlying Issues’ that definitely call back to their older work. Fans of Eldritch will be pleased to have more music to bang their heads to. Metal heads not too familiar with their work will find an above average metal album that has moments of exciting riffs and transitions.
It’s refreshing to hear such an assortment of speedy technical and progressive tracks on an album from a group of talented veterans like Eldritch, that is equally as new as it is traditional. However, the lyrics and overall message left me wanting a bit more. I would never feel like changing the station if I heard a track off this album come on local radio; however, I wouldn’t be shocked at all if a few tracks make it into mainstream radio, as they are just as catchy/poppy/generic as many popular acts these days. The odd thing is, I really enjoy Holler’s voice in many of the songs found here; unfortunately, I don’t really think he’s able to portray much of a message given the words he’s singing. Songs like ‘Danger Zone’, ‘Broken’ and ‘The Face I Wear’ have awesome intro guitars along with a catchy chorus, yet kind of go flat when you hear lines like “Broken… Strange things that I’m feelin’ when I think about you…”.
There aren’t really any tracks or moments on this release that stand out as killer songs from the entire album, but I would say some of my favorites would be ‘Bringers of Hate’ with classic call backs to some of the best keyboard melodies out today and ‘Danger Zone’ with a very fun chorus! Overall, I feel like there’s serious potential for these guys to continue putting together terrific albums in the future. Is it as memorable as 1997’s ‘Headquake’? Absolutely not, but there are excellent moments on ‘Underlying Issues’ that definitely call back to their older work. Fans of Eldritch will be pleased to have more music to bang their heads to. Metal heads not too familiar with their work will find an above average metal album that has moments of exciting riffs and transitions.
LABEL:
FORMAT:
Scarlet Records
Album
UNDERLYING ISSUES
Review by Joshua Jaeger
RUNNING TIME:
57:20
RELEASE DATE:
6th Nov 2015
TRACK LISTING
1) Changing Blood
2) Danger Zone
3) Broken
4) All and More
5) The Face I Wear
6) To the Moon and Back
7) Bringers of Hate
8) The Light
9) Piece of Clarity
10) Before I Die
11) Slowmotion K Us
2) Danger Zone
3) Broken
4) All and More
5) The Face I Wear
6) To the Moon and Back
7) Bringers of Hate
8) The Light
9) Piece of Clarity
10) Before I Die
11) Slowmotion K Us
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
Italy
"Fans of Eldritch will be pleased to have more music to bang their heads to. Metal heads not too familiar with their work will find an above average metal album that has moments of exciting riffs and transitions."
