Album Review: Euphrosyne - Morus

For a while now, I have been skirting the edge of the heavier aspects of heavy metal. Simply because I don’t feel like I can fully appreciate the full weight of the brutal tones and heavier aspects. However, I’ve been actively trying to understand the parts of the genre that have left a bad taste in my mouth previously. I’ve been digging into the depths of the Greek heavy metal scene and today’s band has something that speaks to me. The music that Euphrosyne play is not my usual cup of tea, but their debut album Morus has fascinated me no end! For a first record they already boast an impressive aptitude for the craft of songwriting and have crafted a concept album that tackles are pretty hefty subject, the death of a loved one. This record not only displays their musical talent but also their understanding of production, making the best listening experience possible. I feel for a debut album, this is such a solid piece of work that has made me deeply invested in them.

From a lyrical view, this album captures something intensely raw and emotional. Inspired by the thoughts and feelings that Alex Despotidis’ (Guitarist) went through with the loss of his mother to cancer in 2017, this album takes you on that journey through the darkness that can only be felt when you lose someone so important. The album ranges from loud and chaotic metal tracks to more melodic tunes and songs, and even some quiet contemplative moments laced throughout the album. You feel it, every bleak heartbreaking moment, all projected through the powerful vocal work of Efi Eva who put so much heart and soul behind both her clean and guttural voices. You feel the sadness from the opening prelude “Morus” and from there the listener is taken on a journey of all the stages of grief. Be it the anger felt in “Funeral Rights”, the pain locked behind “Eulogy” or the depressive acceptance in “Asphodel”. It all hits and it all works. Even on my first listen-through, I felt it and it connected.

The album sounds, well, haunting. As I’ve already said black metal is not my forte, but I’m trying to keep an open mind and this album has tickled a nodule in my brain. The whole sound is hauntingly beautiful. Eva’s vocals are a complete whirlwind of power and grace. When she wants to turn up the volume she can open up and bring that force through over the top of the chaotic instrumentation and her clean vocals, when they come in, cut through the sound so well. That’s not to leave out the rest of the band who play around with different sounds and styles and it somehow feels so cohesive. Despotidis’ guitar work ranges from carefully intricate to blasting the guitar at 100 miles per hour. George Gazis’ bass work is commendable, though I do feel that the bass tone can be a bit lost in the shuffle at times between the vocals, guitars and drum work all fighting for attention. However, in the breakdowns and slower moments, you feel the added exclamation point of the bass working in tandem with the drums. How do I even describe the drumming performed by Stelios Pepinidis; the frantic yet somehow precise beats that come from the kit sound immense and add that perfect point to the tone of this fierce band.

I may not be an absolute authority on the sub-genre, but I think Euphrosyne are a terrific band and this debut album has put me firmly in their corner. This album took me on a journey. One of contemplation, excitement and intrigue. Although there aren’t many tracks the album still clocks in over 40 minutes, and it’s amazing what they do in that time. Taking the listener on a journey of sorrow, pain and loss. I will admit this isn’t for everyone, like most things under the surface, it’s only for those that wish to experience the journey. I found this record to be a well-produced, well-written and interesting listen. I think the clean vocals eased the blow of the heavier sections. It added variety and a dynamic sound kept me engaged. Those who are more into the experimental side of black metal and melodic metal will be intrigued for sure. You can hear their influences encoded into the DNA of their sound. This feels like a passion project and one that I would hope gives them a whole new fanbase.

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