Though not quite as awe-inspiring as country mates Be’lakor, here’s some more quality Australian metal , this time in the form of unsigned but high quality Melbourne melodic death metal act, Orpheus.

Though only a 6 track (one being an intro), 21 minute affair, Orpheus show enough skill and song writing ability to play with the modern big boys. There’s everything you’d expect from the genre and the whole EP sounds like it came from Scandinavia, not Australia. The riffs are taught yet melodic, without being too sugary and the synths (performed by female member Sasha) are far more prevalent and classical based, reminding me of early Children of Bodom, Skyfire and Lothlorien. The vocals of Chris Themelco are about the only real standard affair, being the typical mid range rasp – but there are thankfully no awful clean croons or attempts at commercial viability.

All 5 of the tracks are energetic, melodic and full of the expected harmonies and solos without sounding too clichéd or wimpy, as there’s just the right level of aggression and melody as displayed by the opening duo of the “The Hypocrisy and excellent “Common Enemy”. “Mind Betrayal” adds some somber mood to the fray while “Creed of Ulfilas” ups the shreddage ante and closer “A Thousand Times” is a perfectly paced EP closer.

Production wise, even with programmed drums of Matt Themelco, everything sounds great, and I actually would have been hard pressed to definitely say the drums were programmed upon casual listening. The only issue with the whole self released package is the computer artwork, which unfortunately presents itself as nowhere near as good as the actual music contained within.

Yet another excellent unsigned Australian metal act.

[Visit the band's website]

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