Ecnephias - Inferno

This is the third album from Italian band Ecnephias and it is under the microscope of subexistance. We took an in-depth look.

Ecnephias are self-proclaimed "representatives of the occult metal scene with mediterrenean elements". This is not far from the truth. Their music can best be described as gothic metal european-style, structurally similar to Paradise Lost, but with a distinct sound and approach reminiscent of Moonspell's and Rotting Christ's darker and melody-driven records.

The album does not stand out for its innovation but Ecnephias are definitely confident in what they do. It does not matter if they pump up the speed and have harmless fun with quick goth twisters, or if they lower the tempo and let the guitars and keyboards do the dirty work: Whatever they play sounds natural and unforced. It is evident that the Italians know their craft.

A steady and well-oiled rhythm section sets the ideal scenery for the highlight of the album: Mr. Sicarius Inferni's everpresent keyboards create a dark atmosphere and the organ sound gives the songs the extra spice they need. They differentiate the soundscape when needed giving an epic tone ("A Satana") adding in to an already twisted riff-driven gore chorus ("Buried In The Dark Abyss"), always with technically complete melodies.

The guitars follow closely, providing neat melodies themselves, often covering but never overshadowing one another. A metal "Inferno", as Ecnephias would say. Heavy and bombastic riffing, always delivering a solo towards the end of the song (another Paradise Lost reference, as the Englishmen have made that a staple in all their latest albums), some of them passable, some of them quite interesting. Last but not least, Mancan's vocals are on form. A rough and growling voice spitting curses in both English and the band's native Italian. They suit the songs perfectly, even though they remind In Extremo's Letzte Einhorn a little bit.

Most importantly, the song themselves can lead to an automatic second hearing."A Satana" is a classic goth hymn (with an excellent oriental showcase from the organ) while "A Stelthy Hand Of An Occult Ghost" lacks the tune but showcases the technique. "Buried In The Dark Abyss" brings excellent outbursts to the mix, switching tempo constantly. "Fiercer Than Any Fear" and "Secret Ways" are fast goth tracks with a catchy rhythm and the best song of the album, "Voices Of Dead Souls" is an old-fashioned mid-tempo tune that climaxes until the solo and remains fast-paced until the end.

Sure there are flaws in "Inferno" but Ecnephias proved once again what we already knew. All you need to create a very good album is to have exciting melodies, and be technically sound enough to deliver them to the listener. Ecnephias kept it simple, added a few surprises here and there and delivered a very good album. Although still far from being the faces of european goth metal, but a very promising step indeed.

Tracklist:
1) Naasseni
2) A Satana
3) A Stelthy Hand Of An Occult Ghost
4) Buried In The Dark Abyss
5) Fiercer Than Any Fear
6) Voices Of Dead Souls
7) Secret Ways
8) In My Black Church
9) Lamia
10) Chiesa Nera

7,5/10  D.Damien