Out Now
Words by Michael Naidos
My relationship with concept/theme albums is bittersweet as I love the idea of a linear narrative over an album’s length, though I find myself feigning interest in most. My first impression of EATEN BY SHARKS on paper was a mix of intrigue and cynicism, but on further investigation it made more and more sense to me that I was rooting for it to work as I pressed play. I mean, sharks are objectively metal. From the kill machine lifestyle to the darkness of their habitat as well as an attraction to the low-frequency vibrations of death metal themselves, it’s crazy that it hadn’t been done sooner. Five guys from Ontario, Canada are up to the Captain Quint-like task of conquering the feat.
The roar of “just when you get back to the water” at the start of Shallow Water sets the tone safely and then followed by the tense riffs of guitarists, CHRIS CHAPERON and DAN OKOWINSKY. As the track continues, I am instantly in love with how well synced the composition’s tones and the imagery turned narration of the lyrics heighten the enjoyment of the single. As the grotesque descriptions of massacres in the ocean continue and the sprinkling of JUSTIN WHITEHEAD‘s cymbals crash and splash throughout, the band have perfectly set up the album as the screaming of “blood in the shallow water” calls for mankind’s go to defence for survival…an old fashioned shark culling.
Dead Weight is full of chaotic guitars and impressive vocals. A catchy chorus cruises along with the determination of “can’t become dead weight”. Vocalist MATT SHERRIFF switches expressive tones with an intention to intensify the mood of torment as the protagonist reaches for an escape, which works tremendously. The lyrics are ambiguous enough to show metaphor for a broken relationship, though at this point I’m certain these guys are literal in the album’s goal and purpose.
Pummelling ahead with Kill and Consume, the rhythm races along with rapid fire persistence as it harmonises up and down alongside vocals. Much like JOHN WILLIAMS set the tone in JAWS, Eaten By Sharks set the scene fantastically as they match the imagery of the words with the gripping tension of drowning as well as the release of tension as if the relief of coming back for air is an emotional journey incomparable to most thematic albums of the past.
Roles are reversed when Same Face, Different Mask switches perspective from the point of view of a lone surviving shark. The speed and thrash of the guitars envision the forceful speed of the vengeful creature as they stalk their family’s killers.
The next two tracks work as a “call and response” between man and beast. Depth Charge realises the dark beneath of the ocean with frantic rhythms in the speedy panic of the verses underlined by deep bass rumbles of TYLER ABRAMS and the struggle to survive felt by the spaces between the riffing. Following on and complimented by the eeriness of Apex Predator, which works as the maneater’s monologue with sludging pace and low tones in the vocals throughout.
Megalodon is the final boss of the album, if you will, as the prehistoric megabeast is ferociously introduced. The remorse and acceptance of fate by the protagonist has passed by fear now as the closing track shrills and screams along such lines as “we did this to ourselves” backed by the drumming’s artistic integrity to hold the structure with avant garde expression and extemporaneous guitars fulfilling emotionally which the band have succeeded to maintain from start to finish.
Eradication is classic death metal with modern day influences in vocals and on point technical riffs that will appeal to fans of FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY, MESHUGGAH and CATTLE DECAPITATION. Though it is also a theatrical piece chock full of intriguing narration, anxiety inducing tension and graphic imagery for those looking for a concept album done superbly.
Move over John Williams, book Eaten By Sharks for the inevitable Jaws reboot.
Although HEAVY values and respects the wisdom of our team when it comes to album reviews, we STRONGLY urge you to listen yourself before you decide. What we love may not be for you and what we don’t appreciate might be right up your alley.
Trust no-one except yourself when it comes to music.
