EP REVIEW: Burn Down Eden - Epiphany

Germany's Burn Down Eden return with their second EP of 2024 called Epiphany, which follows the Dismal EP which was released in APril. The combination of these EPs is one album, but were split as the songs here have a slightly brighter touch whilst retaining the dark vibe of the first. 

Both dip into the story of the band's early origins, coming from Forst on the border with Poland. A town with 'a history of heroin and crystal meth epidemics and a profound sense of desolation'. The band state that “the music serves as a stark mirror, reflecting the darker aspects of humanity, and challenging listeners to confront the uncomfortable truths we create”.

According to their press release, inspirations include Iron Maiden, Slayer, Wintersun, Children of Bodom, and Darkest Hour, but it’s hard too hear much of these, other than Maiden in the twin guitar delivery.

Epistrophy crashes in with a brutal drum roll courtesy of drummer Warni Warneke, and a crushing riff from guitarists William Deacon-Sack and Tom Noack. The vocals are typically growled in the standard death metal style, but vocalist Pether Hantsche has a real power to his voice and they are not indecipherable like some in this genre. The bass of Marco Schutze is solid, but gets a bit lost amongst the other instruments whilst there is some blindingly good guitar breaks. 

Single Fake News for Breakfast follows, and it’s another face ripper of a piece, with exemplary drumming, especially the blastbeats section whilst the guitar work is again sublime, with a beautiful slow solo that has a slightly bluesy feel.  Tears Of Persephone follows. Overall a slower number, although one might wonder as Warneke clearly missed the memo, as kick drums motor along like the proverbial clappers. Here there's a hint of Maiden in the guitarwork, with the twin lead riff and an exquisite, if slightly discordant solo, this is the standout track on the EP for me.

Burn Down Eden is up next, bringing more of the same, fast, heavy riffage and steam hammer drums and whilst the bass is almost lost in the melee, the vocals are properly barked out, like Corpsegrinder at his best. Finally we get Suckbox, and again it’s a speedy number, with more of the superfast blastbeats mixed with the slower double bass parts, a false end in the middle a masterstroke, giving you a small breather before going hell for leather. The riffs flow and the end is total Maiden. The production is crisp and keeps most of the instruments easily heard, but the bass does feel a bit drowned at times. However, if you like death metal and have 18 mins to spare, give this a go, you won’t be disappointed.

Epiphany is released via Seek and Strike on 6th December

Review by Andrew Matthews