Review by JD on August 7, 2009.

Screaming out of Pennsylvania, Ethereal Collapse come out and is out to take over the known world with its power and strength. Combining Bay Area Thrash with Melodic Swedish Death Metal... they are attempting to bridge the gap with in these two styles.

Three songs, totalling a little over sixteen minutes and change of metal... it sure was a sudden strike to every sense I have. On hearing the album, I could hear through the Bay Area and Swedish things, and heard other influences popping out. I hear Trivium in how they do solos and some breaks, while there is this odd feel of Cradle Of Filth seemed to wind its way through intermittently as well. It seems like they have tried to pack every one of their influences into one to make up their sound.

Through it all... it seemed somewhat cluttered at times, but overall it was done more than just well. Ethereal Collapse had this bit of a feeling as if it they were at times sort of disorganized musically. It came clear quickly that it actually added to the explosive sound, making the argument that it was done on purpose clear. Interesting recording technique, one that I ended up liking very much.

Ethereal Collapse will be taking over the world, and make people do their bidding as the rip across the country. Their next release will probably prove me right with that assessment... as for the album "Categories", I seriously liked the album yet I had been left waiting to completely love it. Never got there though, but it does make me want to listen to it more.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship:7.5
Atmosphere: 7
Production: 8
Originality: 7.5
Overall: 7.5

Rating: 7.5 out of 10