Ephel Duath Rephormula
2002 Elitist Records MOSH900CD
By Russell Garwood
Ephel Duath's "Rephormula", a unique foray into progressive black metal, has now been re-released after the recent signing of this Italian band to the Elitist label. An eclectic album over 75 minutes in length, it includes two remixes and the band's 1997 "Opera" demo as a bonus. "Rephormula" beautifully showcases the band's complex yet majestic sound with a precision and intelligence rarely found in the world of black metal.
Opener "The Embossed", with multiple time changes and instrumental passages, sets the standard for the rest of the album, while "Greynesses Grow Already Old" demonstrates that the vocalist can sing just as well as he can screech. "The Danza" shows Ephel Duath's more futuristic leanings, followed by the eerie atmosphere of "The Flickering Warmth". "Myriads", track 6, seems an apt title for music of such diversity, and this short, melancholy and largely acoustic instrumental is a favourite. "Phormula" is, at over seven minutes with numerous synths, a complete contrast and leads beautifully into the more conventional "The Blow's Rhymers". "Insomnia's Desert" closes the album perfectly, leaving you with the insatiable urge to start listening all over again.
The production, as you would expect, is excellent and even with such a wide variety of influences this album manages to remain pleasingly cohesive. "Rephormula" is essential for any fan of intelligent, heavy music and, while not immediately accessible, is well worth the effort
2002 Elitist Records MOSH900CD
By Russell Garwood
Ephel Duath's "Rephormula", a unique foray into progressive black metal, has now been re-released after the recent signing of this Italian band to the Elitist label. An eclectic album over 75 minutes in length, it includes two remixes and the band's 1997 "Opera" demo as a bonus. "Rephormula" beautifully showcases the band's complex yet majestic sound with a precision and intelligence rarely found in the world of black metal.
Opener "The Embossed", with multiple time changes and instrumental passages, sets the standard for the rest of the album, while "Greynesses Grow Already Old" demonstrates that the vocalist can sing just as well as he can screech. "The Danza" shows Ephel Duath's more futuristic leanings, followed by the eerie atmosphere of "The Flickering Warmth". "Myriads", track 6, seems an apt title for music of such diversity, and this short, melancholy and largely acoustic instrumental is a favourite. "Phormula" is, at over seven minutes with numerous synths, a complete contrast and leads beautifully into the more conventional "The Blow's Rhymers". "Insomnia's Desert" closes the album perfectly, leaving you with the insatiable urge to start listening all over again.
The production, as you would expect, is excellent and even with such a wide variety of influences this album manages to remain pleasingly cohesive. "Rephormula" is essential for any fan of intelligent, heavy music and, while not immediately accessible, is well worth the effort
I've only had it for three days, but it's been pretty much on repeat since I first heard it 
