« The Awakening«
Self-Released/ Independent
2014
After issuing their demo in 2013, Munich’s GILGAMESH is now set to take the Metal world by storm with their premier record, “The Awakening”. Brandishing a huge, fiery tone of Blackened Death proportions, the German foursome should surely stand shoulder to shoulder among the strongest bands to emerge for the first time with their debuts this year!
“Eclipse” begins the listener on a journey of epic intensity as the instrumental hears Middle Eastern tinged harmonies and orchestration before “Astaroth” pummels in the relentless way KEEP OF KALESSIN did on “Armada”. Soaring melodies define the guitar solos and the keys gently lie beneath the surface. Meanwhile, “Slaying in the Name of Ishtar” brings the Teutonic barrage to slower pastures as the weight of the pounding number will help bang many a head as well as raise eyebrows! “The Astronomer” helps keep the group in league with Polish legends, BEHEMOTH, though adding sombre clean vocals which beacon the dark and seeking refuge in “magical spheres”.
A strong effort and masterfully recorded, the musical ideas are clear but maybe a little too clear as obvious comparison’s to the above mentions acts will be inevitable. Subtle allusions to a Middle Eastern musical lexicon are what define and differentiate the troupe from others. Though they are few and far between, when such details are heard, they instantly demand attention.
“Aeons of Hate” also demands attention in its slow moving tremolo rhythm and grim approach. Soft, menacing whispers characterize its start but soon the tension builds to a blast beat crescendo that KEEP OF KALESSIN fans will faun over! Final cut, “The Curse of Akkade” is a powerful mover and dramatic piece and with it being the longest song on the album “The Awakening” is brought to a climactic end. Though GILGAMESH dabbles in familiar territory, the strength of their debut lies in the song compositions, performances and superb production. No doubt “The Awakening” will be on the lips of many as the year comes to a close and “Best of this 2014” lists are to be compiled…
Standout Tracks: “The Astronomer”, “Aeons of Hate”, “Evocating Enlil”
8.5/10
Chris
