Evince Ethos - Evince Ethos EP
CD Info
2009
Self Released / USA
5 Tracks
English Lyrics
Over the past couple years, I’ve introduced readers to two female-fronted bands from my home state of Massachusetts: symphonic metallers Avariel, and hard rockers Era For A Moment. Today I have a third band. Evince Ethos, from the central Massachusetts city of Worcester, began in 2005 as a darkwave project that evolved into a symphonic power metal outfit. Things got a little rocky in 2009. Three of the six members left in 2009 due to creative differences in 2009, halting post-production of Evince Ethos’ five-track EP. That didn’t deter the remaining half of Evince Ethos (guitarist Todd Miller, bassist Kevin Brady, and singer Jessica Jackson / "Mercy Roulette") from continuing to follow their vision – or from releasing the self-titled EP so the world could still hear it.
Evince Ethos is quite sprawling for a short record. For just under 30 minutes, the listener is submerged in a sea of stormy, majestic symphonic power metal. The clever arrangements, double-kick drumming, and Miller’s nimble riff work are all essential elements of power metal and reveal the influence that Kamelot and Rhapsody of Fire may have had on the band. One can also hear traces of female-fronted bands in Evince Ethos’ sound. The themes and word choices in the lyrics marry darkness and human emotion in that gothic manner we’ve heard on early Nightwish and Within Temptation records. As for vocals, Jackson’s naturally high voice isn’t classically trained, but it has the power and emotion to flirt with such ability. Former keyboardist Keith Dombrowski offers clear, midrange backing vocals that complement Jackson well.
Another aspect of the Evince Ethos sound is varied track length. Be it a 4-minute potential single, a 9-minute opus, or something in between, the band sounds comfortable tackling any type of song. The EP’s most concise track, "Awaken," is a sweeping wave of sound highlighted by staccato riffs and graceful piano-playing. The lyrics discuss an awakening of fear, as if seeking escape from the shadows of one’s soul: "There is a deeper dark / In my thoughts / That renders me helpless / I long for endless night / Now that you have brought me down into darkness / In your embrace." The 9-minute epic I hinted at earlier is the closer, "Faces In The Mirror." It’s truly a tour de force, from the sheer massiveness of the music, to subtle details such as cymbal accents, a violin, and blues-guitar hints. Evince Ethos must have spent considerable time crafting this track – time that was well spent.
Details come aplenty on Evince Ethos and make each listen more enjoyable than the last. "Winter Shadow" features synthesizers swirling around the other instruments and Dombrowski’s warm harmonies with Jackson at the end of the first verse. The quasi-ballad "Pain" has a surprise for the chorus: Dombrowski sings the lead vocal, while Jackson’s backing vocals act as echoes. The dulcimer-like keyboard notes at the beginning and end of this track add a special texture that enhances the song’s regret. "Remnants Of Wings" is also good, though it’s my least favorite track on the EP. The musical bookends are engrossing, but leave little room for the vocals and lyrics. So when Jackson sings her final lines of the song, it feels like they’ve come too soon.
Besides that, I have one other major criticism regarding Evince Ethos. That would be the one notable inconsistency in lyrical style on the chorus of "Pain." (Lines such as "I gave her the world" and "I was strong enough to be her man" are more appropriate for a radio-ready R&B love song, to be honest.) I also have a hesitation, as I’ve had in other EP reviews, to give Evince Ethos a very high grade. It’s most likely because this short record is meant to be a teaser; and even though the band intends to give us a more complete impression later, it never stops one’s imagination from running. For example, as I listened to Evince Ethos, I realized it has no real power ballads – and then I found myself imagining what an Evince Ethos power ballad might sound like.
That’s the beauty of an "extended play," however. Its intention is to leave you wanting more and dreaming of the possibilities. Evince Ethos doesn’t check off on both criteria; it slashes them with aplomb. With only five songs that contain myriad techniques, nuances, and moods, Evince Ethos convinces listeners that they know what they’re doing. Fans of all ages will appreciate the band’s roots in both power metal and classic female-fronted symphonic metal as well as the frequent stamps of individuality. By the way, if you obtain a copy of Evince Ethos, make sure you listen to it the "old school" way: through your stereo system speakers, not through computer speakers and earbuds. That way, you can fully experience and appreciate the splendor of Evince Ethos with little compromise.
8.5 / 10
Best Songs: "Pain," "Faces In The Mirror"
Recommended for fans of Nightwish, Edenbridge, Amberian Dawn, and other female-fronted symphonic and power metal bands
Visit Evince Ethos’ Facebook page for more information on where to find Evince Ethos.
