I do not know how much was the asking price for this EP, which includes two new songs and three live versions. Seven minutes of new music. At least it's good music.

Benediction never were a technical death metal band. 'The Grotesque' is a fast-ish, raw, and a bit punky death metal song with open-string guitar playing. I feel it was leading towards 'The Dreams You Dread' album that was released 1995, and was simplistic and rather pedestrian. However, 'The Grotesque' still has loads of bite and a fantastic evil melody bit, but is also a simple little song.

'Ashen Epitaph' is a mid-paced stomper, again with fantastic evil melody haunting the song, which burst into more punky guitar playing before the middle point, only to introduce another fantastic evil melody and part before the ending. It's a bit patchy, but still a cool piece for all Benediction fans.

In the mix, the bass guitar is loud and bulldozing. I think many Swedish death metal band were influenced by Benediction's guitar tone from hell, which is thick and warm. The drums are rather transparent in the mix, except for snare, which is like a whip slashing. The vocals are very powerful low beastly growl, but do have some reverb in them making them a bit too silent.

The three live tracks are from the special live show with new drummer. The songs were recorded to test how he fits in, and were found so good that the band decided to release them. Basically, the band sound very similar to their albums, and the songs themselves are classics. Top notch!

This EP was a cool little release in a two-year gap between albums. The two new songs are essential for any Benediction and UK death metal fan. And no bootleg quality on the live cuts. Sweet suffering.

Rating: 8 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
03/22/2023 21:08