PROMETHEE

Swiss newbies Promethee’s debut EP oscillates between metalcore and deathcore with the occasional hint of progressive elements. There’s melody, the ominous build-ups that lead to the inevitable breakdowns, chugging mosh-pit riffs, and mob vocals in opener ‘And Then The Earth Was Shaken’ and ‘Shipwreck’. ‘Sink or Swim’ has the obligatory fade-in classical piano intro that, upon its zenith, is rapidly replaced by more generic metalcore riffing and breakdowns. ‘Ashes’ lifts the EP out of the formulaic monotony here and there with hints of epic elements and some impressive lead work but soon descends back into the all-too-familiar terrain. Hitherto, the abundance of staccato rhythms and monotonous textures leave gaping holes in the music. But closing track ‘Over The Horizon’ is easily the strongest track here. Yep, it’s got all the requisite intricate and chug riffs, breakdowns, and pummelling machine gun drums, but the vocal line, the chorus and the developed guitar work are the hooks that rescue the EP and band from potential obscurity amongst the multitude of so many other bands that replicate instead of innovate within the genre. Incorporating every staple of the genre from breakdowns to intricate and unrelenting in-yer-face riffs, Promethee’s debut is better than average. Though solid, there’s nothing new or ground-breaking here but it’s a good start and, unless they choose to tread water, Promethee could be a name worth keeping an eye on.

LABEL:

FORMAT:

Bad Moon Records

EP

PROMETHEE

Review by Jason Guest

RUNNING TIME:

19:22

RELEASE DATE:

4th July 2011

TRACK LISTING

1) And Then the Earth Was Shaken
2) Shipwreck
3) Sink or Swim
4) Ashes
5) Over the Horizon

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

Switzerland

"...it’s got all the requisite intricate and chug riffs, breakdowns, and pummelling machine gun drums, but the vocal line, the chorus and the developed guitar work are the hooks that rescue the EP and band from potential obscurity amongst the multitude of so many other bands that replicate instead of innovate within the genre."