Under Eden Phoenix on Frozen Wings EP
Self-released 2008
By Neil Hauer
Usage of melody is becoming something of a lost art in most modern death metal, and as such its refreshing to see a band such as Under Eden emerging onto the scene. The Minneapolis-based group made their first appearance with 2005s excellent The Savage Circle, but a string of label problems and other issues on the business side have kept them tied up since then. Phoenix on Frozen Wings is the new stopgap EP from the band, and its certainly worthy of note.
Being an EP, theres not exactly a bevy of new material present here, but this is compensated for by the quality of the songs at hand. Serpent Birth is the weakest of the three, but its still above average, especially for a fledgling group. The next track, Phoenix on Frozen Wings, is very impressive, with the band presenting a convincingly epic feel nicely augmented by an excellent solo courtesy of primary songwriter Ryan McAtee. Future Devourer provides a satisfying transition from the new songs to the two remixes here, and showcases singer Eric Thons superior harsh vocals. Finally, we are given two remixes of tracks from the debut, which feature a noticeable improvement in sound quality and present a good sample for those who have not heard the album. With this release, Under Eden have confirmed that they are more than your average death metal band, and they are certainly a name to watch.
Official Under Eden Website
Official Under Eden Myspace
Self-released 2008
By Neil Hauer
Usage of melody is becoming something of a lost art in most modern death metal, and as such its refreshing to see a band such as Under Eden emerging onto the scene. The Minneapolis-based group made their first appearance with 2005s excellent The Savage Circle, but a string of label problems and other issues on the business side have kept them tied up since then. Phoenix on Frozen Wings is the new stopgap EP from the band, and its certainly worthy of note.
Being an EP, theres not exactly a bevy of new material present here, but this is compensated for by the quality of the songs at hand. Serpent Birth is the weakest of the three, but its still above average, especially for a fledgling group. The next track, Phoenix on Frozen Wings, is very impressive, with the band presenting a convincingly epic feel nicely augmented by an excellent solo courtesy of primary songwriter Ryan McAtee. Future Devourer provides a satisfying transition from the new songs to the two remixes here, and showcases singer Eric Thons superior harsh vocals. Finally, we are given two remixes of tracks from the debut, which feature a noticeable improvement in sound quality and present a good sample for those who have not heard the album. With this release, Under Eden have confirmed that they are more than your average death metal band, and they are certainly a name to watch.
Official Under Eden Website
Official Under Eden Myspace
