Tonight, Lachryma Christi brings you a review to the debut EP from Portuguese Black Metal band Empalamento.
The EP is called Ordem da Estaca (Stake Horde), and is scheduled to be released on the 10th of June, through Haloran Records.
My first impression was: "It sounds quite vampiric."
And it is! I wasn't aware until now, but it is dedicated to Vlad III the Impaler. Which is amazing. I love the idea. And you can right away hear and feel that vibe. With the keyboards being a huge part of that, of course.
So, Ordem da Estaca has 7 tracks, all of them in Portuguese. I'm surprised, wasn't expecting so many songs.
I was quite curious about this EP, was waiting for it to be sent to me, so I could listen to it and review it, since I haven't had the chance to see the band live yet. I didn't know what to expect. And I didn't read the description on the email or anything about it before I listened to the songs, so I wouldn't let myself be influenced by others' opinions (usually that's my modus operandi in the reviews), and so I would let myself be surprised, for the good and for the bad. The thing is, with Empalamento and Ordem da Estaca there are no bad surprises.
You can tell where their influences come from, exactly. And these guys have good taste. However it is extremely important to add that it is not a copy, thankfully. I come across many copy and paste music when I listen to a new Black Metal album or EP, and Empalamento certainly have their own identity. Their music is very cold, dark and obscure, almost ritualistic at times, but also no doubt very versatile. You get surprised along the songs, as the elements pop in an out, then there are also the keyboards, which go from spooky and mystical to epic, without any warning. I like this. There is also a combo of voices, going from gutural to screaming, to recitation, which was also a fresh breeze for me. I like this too. There is a guest voice by Koraxid (Grievance, Medo) on track 5 which shares the title of the EP. I wasn't aware of it until I recognised the voice while i was listening to the song. So I apologise if this is a spoiler for you :)
Moving on, usually I chose a favourite song, but this time I can't. I liked the whole EP as a whole, and I don't think it makes sense otherwise.
There are three instrumental songs, the first one Deambulação Abismal (Reino das Tormentas) which works as an intro, the fourth one Devaneios, and the last one of course, Maldição Intemporal which brings the perfect ending for the release too, and perhaps some chills down your spine. It certainly did it for me. Spooky. Again, I like it.
Production is excellent, and I'm happy about this. I'm very satisfied it is like this. Although contradicting a bit the essence of Black Metal music, and contradicting even the theme of the band and of the EP, with the mix of sounds and voices and the keyboards and all, it wouldn't have worked as a raw release. It would have possibly been a huge mess. So, good job. Fantastic job.
Now, to see these guys live. I really want to. And I'm also hoping that the next release keeps up with the same majesty as Ordem da Estaca.
Empalamento are Lord Drahkul and NekroTeppes.
Ordem da Estaca has Koraxid as especial guest on drums, and voice on track 5 as mentioned above.
Don't forget the date, it's the 10th of June! Via Haloran Records.
