Band: Epicurean Album: A Consequence of Design Label: Metal Blade Rating: 7/10 Website: http://www.epicureanmetal.com BUY NOW!

Minnesota metal merchants Epicurean have spent nine years perfecting their unique brand of dark metal. Epicurean has experienced many lineup changes since their inception. "V.II.R.VI," their first release, came out in 2003 via JCM Records. Three years later, they released "A Consequence of Design" through the same label. The later album caught the ears of Metal Blade decision makers, leading to its reissue. The Metal Blade version of "A Consequence of Design" includes "Lithograph" and "Darkest of Days," two tracks absent from the original. "A Consequence of Design" is a concept album of a character named Gabriel. The album follows this character through a personal odyssey, set to the tune of dark, melodic metal. Much of the music recalls melodic death metal greats such as the early version of In Flames, Dark Tranquility - especially through their use of keyboards - and other bands from the Gothenburg-style fold. "Dividing the Distance" shows the band pulling out its best melodic death string work. Melo death plays a large part in their overall sound, but is only part of the formula. Through the duration of the album, Jared Schmeider's keyboards stick with the drums, bass and guitar, giving off a symphonic black metal feel, most notably Dimmu Borgir. "Illumination" and "The Departure" exemplify the blacker side of the band. The former track starts explosively with fast cross picking and pounding drums. John Laramy's harsh vocals intertwine into nightmarish layers, encouraging the blacker side of the band's personality. Vocally, Laramy alternates between clean harmonies and throaty harshness, which is not far removed from the modern Anders of In Flames. Depending on his approach, the clean version brings to mind various influences. Because Laramy places a longer draw on his vocals, his timbre resembles I.C.S. Vortex of Dimmu Borgir and Arcturus on "Lithograph" and "The Departure." "Burden of Eternity" and other faster-paced performances relate the clean vocals of metal core front men such as Matt Heavy of Trivium or Tim Lambesis of As I Lay Dying. Through electronic means, Laramy occasionally distorts the softer side of his vocals, conveying a dreamy vibe that works well with the enchanting keys. Epicurean's first break out record has much to offer. Their use of dynamics keeps each song flowing. By incorporating melody, atmosphere and heaviness all, they have created their own niche in a melodic death metal community desperately in need of originality. They poetically illustrate an enigmatic storyline that fits well with the mood of the music. However, "A Consequence of Design" falls short of perfection and greatness. It is a good album by all means, but it is not great. Some of the clean vocals, especially during faster rhythms and those without effects, come across in a mainstream way, like many of today's metal core acts. Additionally, the production could be thicker and rawer. Also, creating a great album means every track is excellent. While many of the tracks reach this height, the album doesn't reach greatness as a whole. It will be interesting to see how the group handles these issues (at least issues for me) on future releases. Darren Cowan Back to Reviews