Ecthirion formed in the UK back in 2008 by Guitarists-Gabriel Neale and Simon Treasure and was originally known as 'AxioM.' However, AxioM was already taken by some other bands so the band decided to change their moniker to Ecthirion just before their debut release-'Apocalyptic Visions'. Originally the band played Orchestrated Viking Metal/Black Metal otherwise known to the christian community as UnBlack Metal. With such a strong focus on extreme Metal genres, Ecthirion made their mark in the Metal realm.
The band's 2009 debut 'Apocalyptic Visions' is a 5-track EP that was comprised of musicians Eugen Dodenhoeft(Far Beyond)-Clean Vocals(Guest Vocalist), Azahel Frost(Frost Like Ashes)-Black Vocals(Guest Vocalist), Josh Edwards-Operatic Vocals, Hannah Naele-Keyboards/Vocals, Simon Treasure-Guitars/ Bass/Programming, Gabriel Neale-Guitars/Bass/Programming, and Dominic Leach-Drums.
The band's 2009 debut 'Apocalyptic Visions' is a 5-track EP that was comprised of musicians Eugen Dodenhoeft(Far Beyond)-Clean Vocals(Guest Vocalist), Azahel Frost(Frost Like Ashes)-Black Vocals(Guest Vocalist), Josh Edwards-Operatic Vocals, Hannah Naele-Keyboards/Vocals, Simon Treasure-Guitars/ Bass/Programming, Gabriel Neale-Guitars/Bass/Programming, and Dominic Leach-Drums.
Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep,
but we shall all be changed—
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.
For the trumpet will sound,
And the dead will be raised incorruptible.
1 Corinthians 15 Verse 51 & 52
but we shall all be changed—
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.
For the trumpet will sound,
And the dead will be raised incorruptible.
1 Corinthians 15 Verse 51 & 52
In 2018 Ecthirion released their follow-up full-length sophomore album titled 'Psalms of the Risen Dead'
This release was 9 years in the making having been started in 2009 and now finished in 2018. This production was released on the Soundmass Record Label and the album's cover art was done by founding member & designer- Gabriel Neale. In analyzing the cover artwork, we find a verse - Psalm 118:14 which states "The LORD is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation." This verse gives us a clue in helping us to understand the artwork better. Jesus, our Lord, is our salvation or our Savior. In the artwork we have a depiction of a tree with a door in the middle. In Revelation 22:14 we find: "Blessed are they that wash their robes, that they may have the right to come to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city." Also, in John 10:9 we find: "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved." So,we can conclude that there is salvation through the tree of life which represents Jesus-(the Door) who offers up Life eternal to those who will enter this Door by believing in Him as their Messiah, Lord, and Savior.
This release was 9 years in the making having been started in 2009 and now finished in 2018. This production was released on the Soundmass Record Label and the album's cover art was done by founding member & designer- Gabriel Neale. In analyzing the cover artwork, we find a verse - Psalm 118:14 which states "The LORD is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation." This verse gives us a clue in helping us to understand the artwork better. Jesus, our Lord, is our salvation or our Savior. In the artwork we have a depiction of a tree with a door in the middle. In Revelation 22:14 we find: "Blessed are they that wash their robes, that they may have the right to come to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city." Also, in John 10:9 we find: "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved." So,we can conclude that there is salvation through the tree of life which represents Jesus-(the Door) who offers up Life eternal to those who will enter this Door by believing in Him as their Messiah, Lord, and Savior.
'Psalms of the Risen Dead' takes us on an epic journey while exploring the sounds of varying genres including Symphonic Power Metal, Technical Metal, Thrash, Progressive, Folk, Death Metal, while rounding their sound out with touches of UnBlack Metal. Through Combining many various Metal sub-genres, Ecthirion creates a sound that is uniquely different from other bands. Their arrangements hold the listeners attention while surprising them from beginning to end. However, Don't let the Death Metal or Blackened touches scare one off if those genres aren't your cup of tea because all the vocals are easily understood on this release. Speaking of Vocals, this album is comprised of multiple lead vocalists with 6 in total, allowing the listener to experience a wide range of vocal styles from track to track. Those who contributed vocal work on this release are Gabriel A. Neale-Guitars/Bass/Backing Vocals, Hannah Neale-Vocals (Tracks 1, 2 & 5-8), Celso Alves(Allos)-Lead Clean Vocals (Tracks 1, 2, 5-8), David Cooney(Jorvik)-Harsh Vocals & Chants (Tracks 2-5 & 7), Eugen Dodenhoeft(Far Beyond)-Clean Vocals (Tracks 5 & 7), and Kim Cook-Vocals (Track 7).
The album features several Classical musicians allowing the band to have an authentic Symphonic sound. The Classical musicians are comprised of Lydia Smith-Violin, Tom Owen-Violin, Jamie Dalton-Trombone & Sackbut, Andrea Dalton-Piano, Amy Coote-French Horn, and Stacey Powers-Flute & Piccolo.
Time is kept by percussionists Spencer Lee & Adam Walker(Track 8) who both bring the skins to submission giving them a proper pounding via their drum lines throughout this project. Often the drums are found taking on and supporting the band's technical side of Metal music.
The album features several Classical musicians allowing the band to have an authentic Symphonic sound. The Classical musicians are comprised of Lydia Smith-Violin, Tom Owen-Violin, Jamie Dalton-Trombone & Sackbut, Andrea Dalton-Piano, Amy Coote-French Horn, and Stacey Powers-Flute & Piccolo.
Time is kept by percussionists Spencer Lee & Adam Walker(Track 8) who both bring the skins to submission giving them a proper pounding via their drum lines throughout this project. Often the drums are found taking on and supporting the band's technical side of Metal music.
In 2015 Gabriel's wife - Hannah Neale got involved as a vocalist, she is now training as a Classical Vocalist and according to Gabriel - Lord willing, will be part of every future release. There are some moments when Hannah's beautiful Vocals remind me of the very famous female Vocalist-Eithne Pádraigín Ní Bhraonáin(Enya). Hannah's Vocals move between Operatic style vocals to Folk Celtic styles which add just the right touches to this epic release. One of the highlights on this album is track-7 "Evanescence" where Hannah is the featured lead vocalist. Here we are presented with a Beauty & the Beast scenario where on one hand we have the beautiful vocals of Hannah Neale and on the other hand we have the beastly-blackened male vocals of David Cooney that both play back and forth. When you couple this with the Folk elements on this track its a lethal dose that can send cold chills up the spine of the listener. Yes, this track is that good!
The band had the following to say about their lyrical direction:
"The band's vision is to be a beacon of light in dark places, in a world where evil dominates it is easy to follow what evil authorities and media dictate. Ecthirion aim to give all the credit for any success to God as they believe He is the source of all things good. The band aren't trying to be dark in any way and do not want to be mistaken for a Satanic act, the lyrics make this completely clear and are far from Satanic. The lyrics are written from a personal perspective and we hope them to be an encouragement to listeners."
"The band's vision is to be a beacon of light in dark places, in a world where evil dominates it is easy to follow what evil authorities and media dictate. Ecthirion aim to give all the credit for any success to God as they believe He is the source of all things good. The band aren't trying to be dark in any way and do not want to be mistaken for a Satanic act, the lyrics make this completely clear and are far from Satanic. The lyrics are written from a personal perspective and we hope them to be an encouragement to listeners."
Lyrics are all overtly Christ centered and thought provoking.
The following are some excerpts from some of the band's lyrics:
The following are some excerpts from some of the band's lyrics:
"Uproot"
My child, turn your eyes
From the evil of this world...
As for me I will call
Upon the name of my Lord
And my God will save me!
"Morality"
I won't show my respect to your pagan idolatry
I don't see the sense in twisting what you teach
I won't show my respect to your pagan idolatry
I don't see the sense in twisting what you believe
"On Eagle's Wings"
You are my strong tower
My fortress in the night
You saved me from the gates of Hell
And heard my desperate cries
You saved me from the pit of destruction
Heard me crying in the night
In You I find my refuge
You gave me strength to win the fight
O Lord God You are my fortress
"Though A Thousand Fall"
Alone, Forsaken
O Father why?
My heart of darkness held You there
Your blood ran cold
Your life's last cry
The Saviour of mankind is here
"Home"
As I descend into the fields
Where my fathers lay
My soul is already ascending
Grave where is your power?
Death where is your sting?
My tombstone marks
Where my life begins
My child, turn your eyes
From the evil of this world...
As for me I will call
Upon the name of my Lord
And my God will save me!
"Morality"
I won't show my respect to your pagan idolatry
I don't see the sense in twisting what you teach
I won't show my respect to your pagan idolatry
I don't see the sense in twisting what you believe
"On Eagle's Wings"
You are my strong tower
My fortress in the night
You saved me from the gates of Hell
And heard my desperate cries
You saved me from the pit of destruction
Heard me crying in the night
In You I find my refuge
You gave me strength to win the fight
O Lord God You are my fortress
"Though A Thousand Fall"
Alone, Forsaken
O Father why?
My heart of darkness held You there
Your blood ran cold
Your life's last cry
The Saviour of mankind is here
"Home"
As I descend into the fields
Where my fathers lay
My soul is already ascending
Grave where is your power?
Death where is your sting?
My tombstone marks
Where my life begins
For those who love all things Metal, this latest release by Ecthirion is one of the strongest releases of 2018. If you are looking for something off the beaten path that is filled with atmospheric arrangements with each track varying one from the other. Then do yourself a favor and pick up this epic release by Ecthirion and let the journey begin!
Something worth noting, if you need some design work done, Gabriel is offering everything from Album cover art to T-shirts and band logos. He can be reached at his facebook page Gabriel A. Neale Designs.
Purchases of 'Psalms of the Risen Dead' by Ecthirion can be made at the following links:
Musicians:
Gabriel A. Neale-Guitars/Bass/Backing Vocals
Hannah Neale-Vocals (Tracks 1, 2 & 5-8)
Guest Musicians:
Celso Alves(Allos)-Lead Clean Vocals (Tracks 1, 2, 5-8)
David Cooney(Jorvik)-Harsh Vocals & Chants (Tracks 2-5 & 7)
Eugen Dodenhoeft(Far Beyond)-Clean Vocals (Tracks 5 & 7)
Kim Cook-Vocals (Track 7)
Spencer Lee-Drums
Adam Walker-Drums (Track 8)
Lydia Smith-Violin
Tom Owen-Violin
Jamie Dalton-Trombone & Sackbut
Andrea Dalton-Piano
Amy Coote-French Horn
Stacey Powers-Flute & Piccolo
Gabriel A. Neale-Guitars/Bass/Backing Vocals
Hannah Neale-Vocals (Tracks 1, 2 & 5-8)
Guest Musicians:
Celso Alves(Allos)-Lead Clean Vocals (Tracks 1, 2, 5-8)
David Cooney(Jorvik)-Harsh Vocals & Chants (Tracks 2-5 & 7)
Eugen Dodenhoeft(Far Beyond)-Clean Vocals (Tracks 5 & 7)
Kim Cook-Vocals (Track 7)
Spencer Lee-Drums
Adam Walker-Drums (Track 8)
Lydia Smith-Violin
Tom Owen-Violin
Jamie Dalton-Trombone & Sackbut
Andrea Dalton-Piano
Amy Coote-French Horn
Stacey Powers-Flute & Piccolo