Artist: Ectospire
Country: USA
Label: Self-Released
Formats: Digital EP
Year: 2024
Almost exactly a year ago I came across Ectospire’s debut demo, a tape that stuck with me a for a while because of a vital mix of both European and American Old School Death Metal that left enough room for melody and some 70’s horror vibes. Later, in the fading weeks of 2023, the band also contributed a new track for a 4-way split cassette (released by Gurgling Gore), but apart from that single track the band follows up their debut demo with this 2-track EP.
Although not too much time has passed since the release of the band’s ‘Formless Horror’-demo tape from 2023, the music on offer on this sophomore release is quite different. I loved the mix of these old school rolling Bolt Thrower riffs and chunky Monstrosity parts with the 70’s horror ambiance, but not much of that is to be found on ‘Afterlife Brutality’. But just as ‘Formless Horror’, with its horror keys, lived pretty much up to its title, so does ‘Afterlife Brutality’. These two new tracks are much more in line with a no-frills sort of Death Metal approach, just like the title and cover implies. This EP combines some nice and crunchy riffs, diverse drums and hellish vocals into what can be considered as solid and punishing Death Metal – with still some of those tasty guitar leads. If you liked the band’s earlier take on the Death Metal genre, I can imagine that this EP sounds a bit of a let-down, but for sure the band makes up for any lack of originality with substantial quality.
For now this is only released digitally through the band’s digital platforms, but it should get a physical treatments somewhere later this year. People who are interested are suggested to keep an eye out for it.
