Review by JD on June 5, 2009.

Progressive styled metal can be so damned pretentious at times, seeming to be wanting to be somewhat cartoonish, even though the musicians themselves are serious artists. Many bands have had their careers sunk by this fact, where their talents are overshadowed by that... So what, if anything, does this have to do with Qantice?

Walking that (often way too fine) line between shredding metal, and an off shoot of some very weird art which is in turn brought together as a Science Fiction novel and progressive as well, this band gets points for trying to be very original lyrically. That said, it is too bad it all sounds like a really bad recorded out take that could be from the new Trivium studio sessions or any Dragonforce album. Right down to the sound of the vocals and the minor lead breaks, this is exactly what you get.

Musically, the whole band are in fact, some very best trained and amazing musicians by some of the sonic explosions that are down on the album. They seem to really be the rare breed that can shred so hard and with such accuracy, that it is like a razor sharp knife through warmed butter. Sadly, their music breaks no new ground, and ends up sounding like fret board masturbation 101... where you can only listen to it for so long..

The story which the album is built around seems to be very interesting and often engrossing (I read those lyrics over and over again), but the music turns you off faster than people offering chocolate covered grasshoppers at a vegetarian convention. It is sad, the story which the album was all done around does have legs... too bad the music has ended up chopping them off at mid-thigh.

In my opinion only here, if they have done the album in a way heavier and more dark feeling sort of way... the albums outcome would be a better fit. As it stands, it is intriguing but not compelling in any real fashion. Qantice is a real let down after reading the bio for them... talks a big talk, but has nothing.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 7
Production: 7.5
Originality: 7 (for the concept of the lyrics only- 5 without)
Overall: 7

Rating: 7.5 (7.1 ignoring the lyrics)

Review by Felix on May 2, 2019.

...Boško Radišić (R.I.P.). He was the lead vocalist and main songwriter of Space Eater and this band carries the banner of speed / thrash metal through Serbia. The fact that Boško died at the age of 28 is a tragedy, no doubt at all. Aftershock has become his musical legacy, but regardless of the quality of the album, this is just a cold comfort. However, let's dive into this album. So much is revealed, it is worth the time.

Space Eater present the whole package. Absolutely nothing is missing, the songs boast with melody, speed, energy and force. Perhaps the mostly high-pitched vocals are not everybody's cup of tea, but they add the speed metal element and fit the old school approach of the songs very well. Space Eater are not here to be the most brutal speed / thrash band of all times, they have put the focus on smooth structures and the flow of the tracks deserves the listener's attention. The songs don't lack breaks and tempo variations, but all parts blend seamlessly with each other. One can discuss whether it was a good idea that the dudes recorded a track that exceeds the seven minutes mark, because "FAA" is at risk to derail during the long and somewhat tired instrumental part at the end. But experiments are not forbidden (as long as they do not gain the upper hand or result in lukewarm ballads), and Space Eater know very well how their music should sound. The production underlines this statement.

Aftershock glitters with a nearly perfect sound. It's warm, vigorous and robust, well-balanced and equipped with the necessary degree of sharpness. Even though Space Eater always keep an eye on a certain level of melodies, the guitars present cutting riffs and furious parts in abundance. I really like to experience that the band does not run out of breath. The riffs of tunes like "Quantum Leap" or "No Retreat" sound as lively as those of the first tracks. Boško masters all pitches and his vocals form a very smooth liaison with the contributions of his band mates. But don't jump to conclusions, the harmonic overall view and an appropriate amount of aggressiveness are not mutually exclusive. Unfortunately, and maybe due to the death of Boško, the last two songs present another vocalist. Luka "Tower" Matković, who is mainly responsible for the guitar, does a solid or even good job, however, it was the right decision that he let Radišić go ahead. His two songs have a little less charm than those from and with the original singer, because they are more violent than the first tracks. Normally, that's not bad, but here it changes the sound colour a little bit.

So if you like pretty catchy speed / thrash metal that combines vehemence and musicality in an almost flawless manner, Aftershock gives you exactly this kind of sweet-tasting poison. Ten songs, at least nine hits, what else do you want? Maybe a last point of reference - the wall crushing creature on the cover has obviously borrowed its enormous wings from the fighting angel of the first Angel Dust artwork. And I am sure, these two guys understand each other very well, in particular in terms of music. Enough said, enjoy Aftershock.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Review by Felix on May 2, 2019.

...Boško Radišić (R.I.P.). He was the lead vocalist and main songwriter of Space Eater and this band carries the banner of speed / thrash metal through Serbia. The fact that Boško died at the age of 28 is a tragedy, no doubt at all. Aftershock has become his musical legacy, but regardless of the quality of the album, this is just a cold comfort. However, let's dive into this album. So much is revealed, it is worth the time.

Space Eater present the whole package. Absolutely nothing is missing, the songs boast with melody, speed, energy and force. Perhaps the mostly high-pitched vocals are not everybody's cup of tea, but they add the speed metal element and fit the old school approach of the songs very well. Space Eater are not here to be the most brutal speed / thrash band of all times, they have put the focus on smooth structures and the flow of the tracks deserves the listener's attention. The songs don't lack breaks and tempo variations, but all parts blend seamlessly with each other. One can discuss whether it was a good idea that the dudes recorded a track that exceeds the seven minutes mark, because "FAA" is at risk to derail during the long and somewhat tired instrumental part at the end. But experiments are not forbidden (as long as they do not gain the upper hand or result in lukewarm ballads), and Space Eater know very well how their music should sound. The production underlines this statement.

Aftershock glitters with a nearly perfect sound. It's warm, vigorous and robust, well-balanced and equipped with the necessary degree of sharpness. Even though Space Eater always keep an eye on a certain level of melodies, the guitars present cutting riffs and furious parts in abundance. I really like to experience that the band does not run out of breath. The riffs of tunes like "Quantum Leap" or "No Retreat" sound as lively as those of the first tracks. Boško masters all pitches and his vocals form a very smooth liaison with the contributions of his band mates. But don't jump to conclusions, the harmonic overall view and an appropriate amount of aggressiveness are not mutually exclusive. Unfortunately, and maybe due to the death of Boško, the last two songs present another vocalist. Luka "Tower" Matković, who is mainly responsible for the guitar, does a solid or even good job, however, it was the right decision that he let Radišić go ahead. His two songs have a little less charm than those from and with the original singer, because they are more violent than the first tracks. Normally, that's not bad, but here it changes the sound colour a little bit.

So if you like pretty catchy speed / thrash metal that combines vehemence and musicality in an almost flawless manner, Aftershock gives you exactly this kind of sweet-tasting poison. Ten songs, at least nine hits, what else do you want? Maybe a last point of reference - the wall crushing creature on the cover has obviously borrowed its enormous wings from the fighting angel of the first Angel Dust artwork. And I am sure, these two guys understand each other very well, in particular in terms of music. Enough said, enjoy Aftershock.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Review by Jack on June 7, 2002.

According to the Greeks, Elysium was the abode of the ghosts of the virtuous dead. The inhabitants of Elysium were said to reside in a state of perpetual bliss and blessedness...

To Elysium circa 2002 is a Gothic metal band who relive the Greek myth of Elysium by transporting us through some 40 odd minutes of splendid empyreal atmosphere with their account of the trip To Elysium. "Dearest Vile" is an anecdote of the pilgrimage.

What we have in essence with To Elysium is Gothic metal not short of the temper in which Battlelore and Tristania play. The noticeable difference to the approach that To Elysium take is that the melodic feminine vocals of Esther take a firm front seat ahead of traditional death metal vocalist Rein. The aforementioned bands, Battlelore and Tristania, are on the flip side of the equation with their testosterone fronters taking the patriarchal role.

"Dearest Vile" is a concept album in every sense of the word. The band name "To Elysium" is based around a strong mythological concept. "Dearest Vile" is the exposé of the band's journey. From the opening 'Harangue' (if you have seen the movie Gladiator, this should bring back some nostalgia for you) to the closing 'Doomcraft', each song is a glimpse into the world of To Elysium. Strong keyboard melodies give rise to an otherworldly décor represented time and time again between the articulated interplay of Esther and Rein.

Summing up, if you enjoy your metal with a Gothic touch boasting literal and metaphorical lyrical concepts that take a matriarchal vocal format, then I doubt you need look further than "Dearest Vile".

Bottom Line: Fans of the whole Gothic metal vibe will definitely be raving. Those who are not so big on Gothic metal, may want to give this a look just for the concept of "Dearest Vile", if nothing else.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 8
Originality: 6
Overall: 8

Rating: 7.8 out of 10