Epicurean – A Consequence of Design
Metal Blade Records – 3984-14670-2 – 04 March 2008
By Neil Hauer
Ah, Epicurean. Where to begin? Fresh out of Minneapolis, A Consequence of Design is the group’s second full-length album, and their first on a major label. While at first glance they might appear to be nothing more than second-rate power metalcore, further listenings will reveal that they are actually... second-rate power metalcore with a keyboardist. That’s more like it!
If this description doesn’t exactly intrigue you, maybe the promise of an entire album full of mildly interesting power metal sections ruined by cookiecutter metalcore riffs and dreadful vocals will. I’m not exactly sure at what point someone decided hardcore-style screaming would be a good addition to power metal, but it certainly was not a bright spot in music history. John Laramy’s depressingly mundane clean vocals aren’t exactly a highlight, either; I have a sneaking suspicion his place in the band is only secured by the fact that he fits the trend of having a name starting with J, as is the case with four of the other five members. This would suggest that conspicuously out of place bassist Eli Pete is likely first up on the chopping block, although it would be no great loss – he’s mixed so far into the background on this record that his absence would hardly be noticed. At least both guitarists deliver inspired performances, with sharp, tasteful solos providing a break from the unfocussed riffs and needlessly soaring keys on every track. If you’re named John and have a cursory understanding of the bass guitar, you might want to look into joining this band; if you’re anyone else, stay far away.
Official Epicurean Website
Official Epicurean Myspace
Official Metal Blade Website
Metal Blade Records – 3984-14670-2 – 04 March 2008
By Neil Hauer
Ah, Epicurean. Where to begin? Fresh out of Minneapolis, A Consequence of Design is the group’s second full-length album, and their first on a major label. While at first glance they might appear to be nothing more than second-rate power metalcore, further listenings will reveal that they are actually... second-rate power metalcore with a keyboardist. That’s more like it!
If this description doesn’t exactly intrigue you, maybe the promise of an entire album full of mildly interesting power metal sections ruined by cookiecutter metalcore riffs and dreadful vocals will. I’m not exactly sure at what point someone decided hardcore-style screaming would be a good addition to power metal, but it certainly was not a bright spot in music history. John Laramy’s depressingly mundane clean vocals aren’t exactly a highlight, either; I have a sneaking suspicion his place in the band is only secured by the fact that he fits the trend of having a name starting with J, as is the case with four of the other five members. This would suggest that conspicuously out of place bassist Eli Pete is likely first up on the chopping block, although it would be no great loss – he’s mixed so far into the background on this record that his absence would hardly be noticed. At least both guitarists deliver inspired performances, with sharp, tasteful solos providing a break from the unfocussed riffs and needlessly soaring keys on every track. If you’re named John and have a cursory understanding of the bass guitar, you might want to look into joining this band; if you’re anyone else, stay far away.
Official Epicurean Website
Official Epicurean Myspace
Official Metal Blade Website
