Review by JD on May 31, 2012.

Independent bands are the backbone for metal. Many acts started out that way, as mainstream labels seem to shy away from some of the better but controversial bands. This is why metal is growing in the first place, as we all are staunchly independent because we make music not just for money (but we all still love money) but for what we want the music to stand for.

Austrian Black Metallers Eschaton are a perfect example of a band that is perfectly independent. They have taken their own musical road, combining very evil Black Metal with both Metalcore and Progressive parts to hand you a very unique and brutal EP. I love the leap into the unknown, and the willingness to think out of the box, but when it comes down to it, the album is sort of... disappointing.

While the song 'Transcending Satanism' is a good in your face sort of track, one that is the only true stand out, the fifteen minute epic 'The Black Tunnel' leaves you not only confused - but wondering what the hell they were doing. While 'Transcending Satanism' is straight to the point Black Metal - the more progressive sounding epic seems to falter, sputters and then dies in a lukewarm metallic sludge that lacks everything.

Seems to me if the band would do more in the way of the first track, they would be a force in the Black Metal field. What they are doing just confuses us and even themselves I think. I had high expectations for this EP and those expectations have crashed and sunk into oblivion like the Titanic did after the iceberg thing. Too bad... the idea was good, the work was not.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 7
Atmosphere: 5
Production: 6
Originality:6 (good idea, bad results)
Overall: 6

Rating: 6.0 out of 10