Ελληνικά
Last Updated on 10:12 PM by Giorgos Tsekas
Genre: Avant Garde/Experimental/Thrash
Country: Hellas
Label: Vault Relics
Year: 2020
Dura mater is a thick membrane made of dense irregular connective tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. It is the outermost of the three layers of membrane called the meninges that protect the central nervous system. The other two meningeal layers are the arachnoid mater and the pia mater. Obviously, I was unaware of this term, but we all live in a modern era and it is easy enough to find the meaning of any term any time you want, effortlessly. Effortlessly or not, Dura Mater (the selftitled ‘Ep by Athenians Dura Mater) is a killer release!
This peculiar, musically speaking, group consists of Matt ‘Parasight’ Karampalios – vocals (Kemerov, ex-Lifestock, ex-Sicks Daze), Nick ‘Usurper’ K. – guitars, vocals (ex-Asphodel), Spyros ‘St. Spirus’ Z.-bass (ex-Violet Vortex) and Kostas ‘Finsternis’ Savvidis – drums (ex-Nightfall, ex-Soulskinner). Peculiar because, having the alibi of creativity, the group managed to infuse many influences, many ideas and different genres in only five songs. Here we have a different proposal, both in inspiration and in realization, with the final result announcing Dura Mater winners, without sounding confused, presumptuous or arrogant. The genre they serve could be, generally speaking, progressive, but I think their songs are flirting with doom, avant-garde and even thrash metal. They move from genre to genre with great ease, in an old-school way, but with modern sound. They are extreme, but accessible to an average listener. The variety of tempos, speed and vocal delivery, create an atmosphere that is not tiring and dares to successfully blend genres. I am not sure, but I can’t find a similar group out there, so that Ι can help our readers. The group sounds like an amalgam of each member’s influences and each member’s musical past. Looking forward for their full length album, I can easily say that Dura Mater ‘Ep is a must listen for all the fans of Greek extreme music scene.
‘Dura Mater’ Ep has just released via Vault Relics in black vinyl and digital formats.
