Warthrone Ghost Storm Eulogy
Ghost Storm Records 2005
By Russell Garwood
Warthrone are a US band featuring ex-Dying Fetus drummer and guitarist Erik Sayenga, ex-Witch Hunt and Sanguinary vocalist Richard Johnson, and Kristel (ex-Witch Hunt, Warfair), who is responsible for keys and bass. Collectively this trio plays symphonic, death influenced USBM. The songs manage to balance melody, extremity, and accessibility with style; the guitars prove hummable for the most part, while brutal sections ring of death metal, and sporadic solos are more technical. A rhythm section of tight, hyper-speed blasting drums and powerful bass keep everything moving forward with mechanical precision, and more momentum than a weightwatchers coach with broken brakes. Synths are prominent, being a major constituent in the sound they keep everything interesting and surprisingly accessible, and show notable versatility. The vocals are varied and harsh, switching from death growls to more traditional black screams.
Ghost Storm Eulogy proves an impressive debut EP. Technically competent performances, well written, diverse songs and a non-derivative sound all suggest big things in the future for this embryonic project. For a self-released effort the production is of a decent standard, while the cover art and layout could be improved, being hard to read and not entirely professional. The synths may put some fans off, but if you want some music that manages to frolic gaily along the line between extremity and melody, go and check out Warthrone.
7/10
Official Ghost Storm Records Website
Official Warthrone Website
Ghost Storm Records 2005
By Russell Garwood
Warthrone are a US band featuring ex-Dying Fetus drummer and guitarist Erik Sayenga, ex-Witch Hunt and Sanguinary vocalist Richard Johnson, and Kristel (ex-Witch Hunt, Warfair), who is responsible for keys and bass. Collectively this trio plays symphonic, death influenced USBM. The songs manage to balance melody, extremity, and accessibility with style; the guitars prove hummable for the most part, while brutal sections ring of death metal, and sporadic solos are more technical. A rhythm section of tight, hyper-speed blasting drums and powerful bass keep everything moving forward with mechanical precision, and more momentum than a weightwatchers coach with broken brakes. Synths are prominent, being a major constituent in the sound they keep everything interesting and surprisingly accessible, and show notable versatility. The vocals are varied and harsh, switching from death growls to more traditional black screams.
Ghost Storm Eulogy proves an impressive debut EP. Technically competent performances, well written, diverse songs and a non-derivative sound all suggest big things in the future for this embryonic project. For a self-released effort the production is of a decent standard, while the cover art and layout could be improved, being hard to read and not entirely professional. The synths may put some fans off, but if you want some music that manages to frolic gaily along the line between extremity and melody, go and check out Warthrone.
7/10
Official Ghost Storm Records Website
Official Warthrone Website
