Ambrius – Effigies Of Time EP
Ambrius – Effigies Of Time EP
Self-Released
Release Date: 15/07/22
Running Time: 35:00
Review by Paul Hutchings
5/10
Created from previous bands Tempestora and Oakhaart, Ambrius is the latest project of vocalist, orchestral composer and producer Sam Shiers. Ambrius is completed by guitarist Jason Deakins, bassist Michael Perks and drummer Alex Hawes. “Effigies of Time” is the band’s debut EP, and it’s technically impressive. Mixing Technical Metal with elements of Symphonic and Power Metal, the initial impression is of melody combined with speed – at times frenetically paced, and with double tracked vocals that have shrieks and screams that counter the more respectable lower vocal end. There are occasional Death growls and blasts of orchestra which makes it a bit of a jumbled listen. There really is too much going on at once, and it damages the first impressions.
Shiers self-produced “Effigies of Time” and this area of the album isn’t at all bad. The instruments are crisp, well-mixed and intertwine well. The song writing is the challenge though. After the intro there are five tracks of similar length, all around the six to seven-minute mark, and all a frenetic blend of multiple genres. ‘Self-Reflection’ for example, considers the pressures of self-image in society and the impact on mental health. It’s frantic, intense and contains marmite vocals. You’ll either enjoy or despair at the screaming wails that echo above the gruff Death Metal delivery, which itself is at odds with the more substantial cleans. It’s the high-pitched stuff that really is a failure here, detracting from the song in almost every way. ‘Breathe’ is a better track, although the temptation to throw the kitchen sink at it still makes it a bit schizophrenic.
The classical enthusiasm stands out on every song, with the ‘The Unavoidable Path’ tackling the choices of every day in a bombastic manner, with some challenging screams to open what is a solid if unspectacular song which soars at times but in other parts is somewhat routine. ‘Red’ is focused on the horrors of prejudice and intolerance. It’s another confused track, unsure of direction and style, instead reverting to blast beats that convert into a Symphonic Metal track that really doesn’t hold the attention. The finale is ‘The Pulse and the Purpose,’ which doesn’t stand apart from the previous songs. In fact, the whole package, technically solid, doesn’t really get me excited.
Five listens haven’t produced much in the lingering memory banks apart from the awkward juxtaposition of the various styles of singing. It may well appeal to some Metal fans. It’s just something that really didn’t do much for me at all.
‘The Unavoidable Pth’ Official Lyric Video
TRACKLISTING:
01. Effigies Of Time
02. Self Reflection
03. Breathe
04. The Unavoidable Path
05. Red
06. The Pulse and Purpose
LINE-UP:
Sam Shiers – Vocals
Jason Deakins – Guitars
Michael Perks – Bass
Alex Hawes – Drums
LINKS:
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