Egnum – Promo 09
Hailing from Thessaloniki in Greece, but also based in Amsterdam, Egnum unleash their annihilating two-track promo, and it’s a killer!
I was lucky to receive one of the 100 limited edition versions which are packaged in a black cloth, book-style digipack with the band’s logo printed in bright silver on the front, which looks very impressive indeed. But it’s the music that really counts, and that’s where Egnum also make a big first impression.
The first track, ‘Throne of Disbelief’, bursts into action and hammers out a mighty onslaught of hard, fast, violent Black Metal. Twisting and and turning restlessly, guitarist Sotiris delivers a fierce attack, with diverse switches of style and thick, abrasive distortion. The occasional use of unusual guitar effects adds an extra menacing element to the apocalyptic sound.
The drumming is mercilessly fast and precise, but there’s plenty of variation in speed to suit the rapid changes of rhythm. The heavy bass comes forward in the mix during the rolling slower section near the end of the track, before once again returning to slaughtering speed.
With ‘Effigies of Shame’, the second and final track, Egnum again waste no time with any gradual build-ups and instead go for instant detonation and pounding. This track is less varied in style and pace than the opener, but reassuringly convinces me that this band are on a path to deliver maximum intensity. In fact, I can’t decide which track I like best, as they are both excellent.
This debut promo CD was recorded, mixed and mastered in May 2009 by bass player and vocalist Leon, and he’s done a really great job. I like the strong presence given to his bass, but (for my tastes) I’d like his rasping growls to be a little more distinct in the mix. That’s just a small criticism though – let’s remember that this band was only formed in October 2008, and have accomplished a lot in a short time.
Egnum demonstrate an impressive ability for creating memorable riffs, foot-tapping rhythms and brutal, powerful Black Metal. After setting such a high standard for themselves, I’m seriously looking forward to any future releases from this talented band.
Black Metal is dead. In the UK at least. Seeing as though it is the place that gave birth to the genre it is as fuckin’ useless a broke-dick dog. There is no scene to speak of, just the odd one or two equally useless bands trying in vain to mimic some of the more [...]
Opening with a song title of the length Bal Sagoth would be proud of (thankfully that’s as the only comparison to draw), the imaginatively titled ‘A Glimpse of the Image of Lucifer Gleaming Beyond the Subterraneous Black Sun’ marches forth. Mid paced, it stamps away with the precision of a well oiled Black Metal machine [...]
Just one word to describe Egnum…’diabolical’.Brutal Bm in the house.laugh..
Indeed this is quality chunk of fresh BM meat. Fillet of course, still beating and with blood pouring out of it. Enjoyed best slightly warmed in a pan of hot oil. Decent blokes too.
lightning-fast black metal, excellent stuff.. kind of weird mixing though, sounds like programmed shit, cool nevertheless
Yeah, I wondered that too but I don’t think there’s any programming involved as the band have a drummer and also they told me that all the effects are actually done with guitars.
Egnum is raw black metal. Distortion at its best.