Italian musician Erymanthon Seth, known as APOCALYPSE, embarked on a solo journey after the disbandment of his original group. His vision was to fuse Black, Death, and Epic Metal, aiming for a distinct sound with each album. “Pandaemonium” marked my introduction to APOCALYPSE, despite it being his seventh studio album in just six years.
As a one-man band, Seth displayed versatility by mastering multiple instruments, yet his drumming fell short in capturing the nuances essential for a compelling metal album. The repetitive double bass and simplistic rhythms lacked the depth needed to elevate the tracks emotionally, hindering the album’s potential impact.
Moreover, the excessive use of keyboards throughout “Pandaemonium” overshadowed the music instead of enhancing it. Lengthy keyboard solos, like in the opening track “Praeludium in D Minor,” disrupted the album’s flow, diluting its overall intensity. Simplistic song structures further weakened the album’s impact, lacking the necessary power and conviction to captivate listeners.
Recorded at the renowned Swedish studio MiMo Sound, known for its work with BATHORY, APOCALYPSE sought to elevate his music by relocating to Stockholm. However, the outcome fell short of expectations, raising questions about Seth’s songwriting capabilities and his potential for growth within the metal scene.
“Pandaemonium” showcased APOCALYPSE’s ambition to carve a unique niche within the metal genre, blending different styles to create a distinctive sound. Despite his prolific output, the album’s shortcomings in drumming finesse and excessive keyboard presence detracted from its overall impact, leaving room for improvement in future releases.
While APOCALYPSE’s endeavor to experiment with diverse metal subgenres is commendable, refining his songwriting and instrumental skills could enhance the quality and memorability of his music. As the metal landscape continues to evolve, artists like APOCALYPSE must adapt and innovate to stay relevant and resonate with audiences seeking fresh and captivating musical experiences.
📰 Related Articles
- Lurk’s ‘Aegis’ Review: Evocative Sludge Metal Falls Just Short
- Sith’ari Unleashes Debut EP ‘Before The Dawn’ with Melancholic Black Metal Fusion
- Signs of the Swarm: Anticipated Album Redefines Metal Music Scene
- Pridian’s ‘Venetian Dark’ Album Shines in Estonian Metal Scene
- ODC Unveils Emotionally Charged Single “Love, I Tore It Apart” Reflecting Unique Metal Fusion