Enochian Theory: Evolution - Creatio Ex Nihilio

Evolution: Creation Ex Nihilio Album Cover

Once again, like the Tricorn review, I have been blessed personally by the band to do this review, so I was extremely excited to be able to write this review under the gaze of yet another exciting band to come out of Portsmouth. They formed in 2004, and their current members stand as, Ben Harris-Hayes (Throat – as he likes to call himself), Sam Street (Drummer), Shaun Rayment (Bassist). They have released 2 other CD’s:

-          Our Lengthening Shadow

-          A Monument to the Death of an Idea

They have been heard on Kerrang Radio and BBC Radio, so it is quite an honour to be able to review this band.

So I am going to review their latest album, Evolution: Creatio Ex Nihilio.

The album is quite striking when looking at the album art, and clearly it has been done professionally, heavily “CGI’ed” industrial complex with a beautiful blue sky, a haunting moon, a “wirery” old tree on top of the building with an exclamation mark on what looks to be a electric billboard, which is something you would see in “New York” or closer to home “Piccadilly Circus”. Clearly this shows a statement of intent, by showing the creativity of the band straight away on the artwork.

So a good start, so far.

(*Now, before I start this review, if you are going to listen to this album, then take the advice that I was given before listening to this. Give yourself some time alone and just listen to it through a good set of head phones, believe me it works*)

Straight from the start you can appreciate the sheer amount of effort they have put into the intro alone, its very dark and sets a good tone for the rest of the album (1.Every Ending Has A Beginning)

After the excellent “1.Every Ending Has A Beginning” comes “2.The Dimensionless Monologue-Tedium”  which shows what Ben and the band are all about, starting off slow and descending  into brilliance,  Ben’s harrowing voice, Sam’s brilliant drumming and Shaun’s mood setting “Bass”, all I did was sit there with my ear phones and think to myself:

“Wow, this band has some talent”

I was completely and utterly in awe of the brilliant violins and just the whole set-up of how it all came together. The band completely and utterly compliment each other, this is shown in what the band have created in this album, and most importantly the album has an infinite flow to it, each song flowing into the next, utterly compelling.

Some of my favourite other tracks are:

Enochian Theory

6. Apathia

7. Triumvirate

10. Waves of Ascension

And finally

13. A Monument to the Death of an Idea

I believe that all of these songs show the true identity of a brilliant band, with an eagle eye for excellent lyrical choices and solid instrument playing. There is no point saying that this band are up and coming, they are already here, all you need to do is help them on their journey. Without a doubt I would recommend this album to rock lovers. Not as heavy as I expected, but there are some tracks for the heavier listeners.

Utterly brilliant.

This. Is. A. Must. Buy.

What is even better about this band is, they are bringing out a new album very soon, so time to get excited!

Track Listing:

1. Every Ending Has A Beginning… 1:08
2. The Dimensionless Monologue:
   • Tedium (i) 2:20
   • The Dimensionless Monologue (ii) 2:59
   • T.D.M (iii) 1:36
3. At Great Odds With… 5:07
4. Apathia 3:58
5. Triumvirate 2:35
6. Movement 5:14
7. After The Movement 2:53
8. Waves Of Ascension 6:57
9. The Fire Around The Lotus 7:15
10. The Living Continuum 2:22
11. A Monument To The Death Of An Idea 4:36