After progressive/speed metal band Athem split up in 2002, brothers Mario and Rocco Smaldone have went on to form Envyra in 2009. This Italian two-man act (three if you count guest vocalist Mancan) has started their career with a promising, though not entirely convincing, six-track EP. Post-Human Orison is the duo's debut effort, and was self-released in the first half of 2011.
Envyra plays a style of melodic death metal with plenty of tendencies into thrash, folk, and progressive metal territory. There's an epic tone to most of the tracks, despite their relatively modest lengths, in the vein of acts like Moonsorrow or Enslaved. Envyra has a surprisingly original sound; the band's adventurous attitude does make it easier for me to excuse some of Post-Human Orison's obvious shortcomings. The production especially leaves much to be desired - the mix is a bit muddy and the drums sound extremely weak. The musicianship, while competent, is also a bit sloppy in a few places. I think re-recording a couple of sections may have been the best option here.
Although this EP is filled with technical imperfections, it's difficult not to credit Envyra for their strengths exemplified on Post-Human Orison. This is an original effort that is often compositionally intriguing and stylistically unique - fans of melodic death metal may want to take a look into this one. Somewhere between 2.5 and 3 stars are deserved here. If this duo can polish up their musicianship and get a more professional production next time around, I have hope that it'll make for one great album.
Track Listing:
1. Sands of Time
2. Reverse Order
3. Ethereal Lake and Abyss
4. Redemption
5. The Grip of Wrath
6. State of War
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