Review by Felix on May 28, 2023.

Double strike! Fasten seat belts, because "Angel Cry" and "End of Time" kick off the ninth full-length of Sabina and her instrumental supporters in a very impressive way. A smooth riff creates a frictionless flow, the chorus connects a somehow cosmic guitar with the background inferno and sticks in the mind in a matter of seconds, while the energizing speed of the song completes the picture. "End of Time" scores with its dynamic tempo changes, the high degree of pressure and the effective, drilling chorus. After many, too many albums without real killer tracks, these two fireworks light up the sky in the most glittering colours. With a view to the discography of Holy Moses, this opening begs the question of whether "Strength Power Will Passion" is able to endanger the top position of "Finished With the Dogs". Unfortunately, the masterpiece from the year 1987 remains untouched, not only for nostalgic reasons.

This is not to say that the album has nothing else to offer than its first two highlights. The easily memorable chorus of the rapid "I Will" leaves its mark in view of the effective back vocals and the mid-harsh "Sacred Crystals" connects crude melodies during the verses with an intensifying chorus. Needless to say that the barking of Sabina adds the extra portion of rudeness. Nevertheless, the record does not achieve the density and intensity of the band's reference work. Songs like the double bass driven "Symbol of Spirit" are absolutely okay, but this highly appreciated pinch of insanity is missing. Anyway, the here presented work confirms the upward trend of "Disorder of the Order". Rather boring pieces like the slow-moving "Space Clearing" remain exceptional, because a proper number of ominous leads offer good entertainment.

Some parts of the songs border on punk and hardcore. The staccato of the back vocals and the stubbornness of the unswerving gang point in this direction as well. Finally, the voluntary renunciation of unusual or even progressive song patterns underlines the weakness of the band members for simple music. Admittedly, the album fails to transport the feeling of juvenile anger which is typical for hardcore formations, but I do not think that Holy Moses had the intention to create the most impulsive approach. Instead, the full-length shows a more or less mature facet of the formation. Sabina and her motivated guys are able to channel their energy in a clever way. I still worship the aspiration for total annihilation that Holy Moses celebrated on "Finished with the Dogs", but the accurate method on "Strength Power Will Passion" commands respect, too. No doubt, the second half of the full-length is not overloaded with brilliant compositions (the verses of "Rebirthing" are lent from "In the Slaughterhouse", albeit in a slightly weaker configuration), but the sharp guitar sound and the authentic mentality of the protagonists form solid tracks. Give it a try, the two openers alone are worth the money.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10

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