How an initial skim through can taint first impressions. The first track I heard by Endemise was the youtube play through of the song ‘Procreator‘ by two guitarists Dale & Graham and then the official vid to the title track ‘Anathema‘ This was was my first real taste and exposure to orchestral Black/Death Ottawa based Endemise. Whether or not it was me either not being in the mood or not being immersed in the pleasures of the ‘Anathema‘ as a full entity, Endemise certainly didn’t grab me at first. But I knew I had to stick my ears in a little deeper
Upon reading the always “Enlightening” press releases, my first response to many albums in the past has left me salivating or yawning to uncover hidden treasures or garbage. But in this day and age, where we as consumers and metal fans have a plethora to digest and plow through it can be so SO easy to get distracted and fail to give some new artists their true credit and a press release may not uncover the true inner workings of what we should or can expect. The obligatory press release for Endemise’s sophomore release ‘Anathema‘ tells us how crushing and hard they are, yadda yadda yadda but it was the tantalising info of “BLACKENED DEATH METAL & ORCHESTRAL” that reeled me in. And I am certainly hooked. Let me tell you readers why!
The meaning behind the word anathema is denunciation due to someone or something being accursed and this magnificent piece of Canadian artwork by Endemise is shrouded in mist, brutality and sheer fucking intensity. These Canadians have recorded an album that easily summarises the title with accuracy. Vocalist Franky’s ability to perfectly define and deliver through his instrument the true intensity of the genre is perfect! Accompanied by fellow protagonists Dale & Graham on guitars, Alex on bass and followed magnificently by David on drums, Endemise have truly defined and brilliantly explained the purpose of their intent via title.
Being a fan of Fleshgod, Septic Flesh and of course all things Emperor I sat down late one night and immersed myself in all beauty that is ‘Anathema‘ and easily forging ten to twenty feet ahead of the likes of Fleshgod, Septic and any of their predecessors Endemise are most definitely and defiantly staking a claim in their genre of black/death. And it is beautiful. You can watch the videos and live shows and bare witness to a fog machine working overtime to give us the atmosphere but ‘Anathema’ is absolutely and credit to Endemise and their desire to bleed from their pores this magnificent genre.
That being said I don’t think that there is one stand out song on the album, rather all eight pieces of music congregate together to form an awesome and emotive forty minute trip into the minds of a quintet of Canadians doing their absolute best to pummel us into a fog draped apocalypse but highlights for me if i had to make the choice are most definitely the opener ‘Nocturne‘ & closer ‘Fragments in a Flame‘ because they both, I think, perfectly frame the grand picture of ‘Anathema‘ as a whole piece
‘ANATHEMA‘ by Endemise is out now on Maple Records
https://endemise.bandcamp.com/album/anathema
