I must admit my initial ignorance towards 'Eyes of Fire' upon the release of this full length. I was aware of it's potential and the 90% rave reviews it was receiving, but for some reason I forgot about it. In the end, I just never quite got around to purchasing it when it first appeared. More fool me. Furthermore, learning that EOF feature ex-members of the awesome Mindrot had me severely admonishing myself for such apathetic behaviour – Better late than never then hey?
'Ashes to Embers' is EOF first full length for the Century Media label, following on from the 2003 'Disintergrate' EP. Two tracks from that EP also appear on this disc (Hopeless and Anyone). Incorporating the classic 'epic doom' like qualities that Mindrot displayed, EOF can be pretty much described as a natural continuation of said style. Like Mindrot (and current day Neurosis) EOF have that innate ability to make their music flow seamlessly from fragile minimalism that evokes a dark melancholic depressive atmosphere to one that invokes total anger and rage. The contrasting styles of these heavy meets soft passages is something that is attempted by many bands of this ilk Eyes of Fire are one of the few that manage to pull it off.
As a comparison, acts like the bleak melancholic side of Anathema are a major influence here as is the aforementioned Neurosis vibe. There is a real desperate quality about the compositions written by EOF. The quieter passages rely on brittle string work and aching vocal phrasing. The heavier moments are drenched in a punishing weightiness that at times threaten to derail the whole thing, however with some superb song writing the band has been able to capture a convincing dynamic by play between the two extremes. Add the thoroughly engaging 'emotive' edge that pervades each and every track and you'll find yourself hard pressed not be engrossed in the desolate feel conveyed on 'Ashes '
EOF also writes long, expansive compositions (I'm a major fan of such predilection). The bulk of this album is built around some absolutely monolithic standouts The opening track 'The End Result of Falling ' is a fantastic example of the journey ahead. At track seven we get the outstanding 'Breathe' that drones, floats and teases before plunging into that Neurosis like 'heaviness' mid track. By the albums end, the stunning emotive darkness of 'Last Goodbye' will have you reaching for the razorblades. The production of Cameron Webb must also be noted here his ability to capture the bands gentle, soothing side combined with their thick aggressive passages is to be commended. Powerful, dramatic and intense to the last note.
If you love superbly played melancholic depressive doom with that overtly 'epic' like atmosphere, Eyes of Fire will leave your jaw on the floor. Eyes of Fire have been able to put together a stunning piece of work with ATE the balance between the heavy and light passages are very well thought out and convincingly threaded together to produce an album that flows with an amazing cohesiveness. Fans of current day Neurosis and 'Judgment period' Anathema should investigate immediately.
Genre: Melancholic Doom
www.eyesoffire.us
Tracklist
1. The End Result of Falling
2. Empty
3. Fly Away
4. Hopeless
5. Down
6. Fear
7. Breathe
8. One More
9. Anyone
10. Shelter
11. Last Goodbye
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