ETERNAL HELCARAXE

Hailing from Cavan, Ireland, Eternal Helcaraxe formed back in 2003 but have only had two self released demos to date. They play what they describe as “epic black metal which is melodic/ atmospheric/ emotive and fast” and, in truth, on the whole, ‘To Whatever End’ is a good representation of this. Once you get past the pretty redundant keyboard intro (if you’re going to put an intro on your release at least give it some merit to be there rather than just because everyone else does it!) the first track proper kicks in with a certain groove to the riff. Eternal Helcaraxe sound a little like Primordial did back in the day and we all know how good Primordial have become from solid roots. Can Eternal Helcaraxe follow their fellow Irish horde? Well, on the strength of ‘To Whatever End’ there is enough going in their favour to give them a solid 7 out of 10. There are some gripes though. The raspy vocals could be stronger and more variation used and the aforementioned intro music was such a waste of time and felt like filler. On the upside, the use of clean vocals is excellent and the sparing use of keyboard atmospherics in songs enhances nicely. The use of acoustic guitars and bass leads during these moments certainly piqued my interest in the songs and added to the drumming being solid, interesting and well executed added a dynamic to the whole. I would recommend having a listen to Eternal Helcaraxe as there is enough here worthy of note and, remember, the might of Primordial was built on similar solid roots!

LABEL:

FORMAT:

Self-released

EP

TO WHATEVER END

Review by Paul Sims

RUNNING TIME:

29:21

RELEASE DATE:

2010

TRACK LISTING

1) ...And As Kings We'll Fall
2) To Whatever End
3) Kin Comrades & Country
4) Strike
5) All the Battles to Come

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

Ireland

"Eternal Helcaraxe sound a little like Primordial did back in the day and we all know how good Primordial have become from solid roots."