Pre-order ECTHIRION and COVENANT CDs

SHIPPING EARLY NOVEMBER!

ECTHIRION: Psalms Of The Risen Dead - https://www.soundmass.com/product/psalms-of-the-risen-dead


Formed in 2008 and releasing their debut EP on Soundmass  in 2009, Ecthirion have been slowly and meticulously working on their follow-up ever since. 2018 sees the culmination of this work in the release of the UK band’s full-length album “Psalms of the Risen Dead”.

An orchestral metal band with a broad range of influences and contrasts, Ecthirion’s aim has always been to create unique and thought-provoking compositions, both musically and lyrically. You will hear elements of power metal, death metal and even tech death, with Eastern and folk influences bringing variety. Also very much inspired by nature, some songs are reflective of raging torrents, while others are brooding and serene.

An array of people contributed to the project - 6 vocalists and several classical musicians who help to create an authentic neoclassical sound. The album features belting vocal performances from Celso Alves (Allos) and Eugen Dodenhoeft (Far Beyond), as well as David Cooney’s (Jorvik) intense screams contrasting with emotive female vocals. With riffy guitars and intense drumming, “Psalms of the Risen Dead” is a spiritual journey for every listener to embark on, with lyrical themes of personal struggle, death, conquering sin and the brevity of life. The accompanying 16-page booklet illustrates this opulent metal musical, ending with death and what comes after.

Recommend for fans of epic symphonic, prog, extreme, power metal - Kamelot, Symphony X, Nightwish and Dimmu Borgir.


***************************************************************************************


COVENANT: Fall Of Rome - https://www.soundmass.com/product/fall-of-rome-2


Covenant were a South Australian traditional heavy/power metal band from the early 90’s. Within the local scene, the band received a good response to their tight and professional live performances and original sound. In 1993, they released their one and only demo cassette which, before now, has never been available on CD. Although just a demo, their time in Mixmasters‘ 24-track studio produced a polished recording that faithfully captured the Covenant sound and sold out quickly.

Unfortunately the band would never record again as the melodic style tended to be overlooked with the era of extreme metal reaching its peak. Vocalist Wayne currently fronts the dynamic Sonic Divide who recently supported Stryper. Bassist Graham appeared on the Virgin Black demo and went on to engineer, record and tour extensively with Virgin Black for the Requiem Trilogy.

If you dig the late 80’s/early 90’s sound and vocal style of bands like Neon Cross, Riot, Armageddon, Hero and Malachia, then you owe it to yourself to check out Covenant.

There are now song samples of both albums to listen to...

Now shipping!

Haven’t listened to the cds properly, but the booklets are AMAZING!

Will the Covenant EP be available digitally?

alldatndensum wrote:Will the Covenant EP be available digitally?

Yes, already is: https://www.soundmass.com/product/fall-of-rome (and also iTunes and all the usual digital platforms)

My review (in portuguese)

http://metalnalata.com.br/site/ecthirion-psalms-of-the-risen-dead-2018/

Nice review (according to google translate)!

Kerrick wrote:Nice review (according to google translate)!

Thanx bro!

Feedback from somebody who bought the ECTHIRION CD:

"What a wonderful piece of music! Brilliant and stunning clear mix and a careful balance of clean/growling male vocals and female vocals and symphonic music, never boring and very positive lyrics. I listen to metal, jazz and black gospel and have thousands of cds but this cd easily jumps to a top 10 spot. One very happy and enthusiastic fan!"

My copy of Ecthirion came today. Listened through it twice already. It sounds amazing! I'd agree with the assessment above. I'm not going rate it already but this is an absolutely masterfully crafted album. I'm wowed by this so far.

If they think Ecthirion is unique they haven't been paying attention for the last 15 years. It's quality if you like the style but it's also a saturated market.

You can read an ECTHIRION interview here: http://againstpr.com/interview-with-ecthirion

Thanks for sharing!  It's a fairly short but sweet interview.  They sound like very humble and cool folks.

"For those who love all things Metal, this latest release by Ecthirion is one of the strongest releases of 2018. If you are looking for something off the beaten path that is filled with atmospheric arrangements with each track varying one from the other. Then do yourself a favor and pick up this epic release by Ecthirion and let the journey begin!" - https://christianmoltenmetalbands.weebly.com/ecthirion-2.html

A nice in-depth review of Ecthirion by Andy at Angelic Warlord: https://www.angelicwarlord.com/reviews/e/ecthirion18.html

"...one would be hard pressed not to suggest Ecthirion is one of the more innovate and ingenious performers within current hard music circles."

Another good review - and a 10/10 - from a secular German website! - http://bleeding4metal.de/index.php?show=review_de&id=10212

I still need to get Covenant.

Wow so many stellar reviews for Ecthirion.  It's a little over-the-top than what I typically prefer, but I might just have to pick it up nonetheless...

Score: 8/8 - Powerplay Magazine Issue #216

“Ecthirion’s debut full length album, “Psalms Of The Risen Dead”, has been an incredible nine years in the making. The things is, when you’re listening to the album, that outrageously lengthy period of endeavor almost make sense. “Psalms Of The Risen Dead” is an amazingly ambitious, creative and imaginative album, with a remarkable array of talent on display throughout its nine fascinating tracks. Ecthirion take a modern, progressive, power metal base and then infuse it with a myriad of influences – drawing powerful atmosphere from more extreme metal forms, the adventurous, positive spirit from 70s prog giants like Yes, classical instrumentation and arrangements... there really is a lot to explore here and a lot to admire. The fact that Ecthirion accredit their success to God is only as relevant as you want it to be. I am as far from religious as it’s possible to get and I can assure you that if you share that stance, there is nothing about Ecthirion that should get between you and a great, rewarding listen. Their vision is to be “a beacon of light in dark places” and I have no problem with that. If you can stomach albums by bands that pledge their allegiance to a hairy arsed goat man, you should be OK to balance the scales a little – especially when the music is this good. A real achievement.”


(With such good reviews and 100% scores from secular magazines, why are so few people buying this album? )