siLLy puPPy While the band name EA may sound like a really lame name for a metal band, it all starts to make much more sense once you discover that the term was borrowed from an ancient deity of Babylonian mythology which when taken into consideration with the lengthy dreamlike funeral doom metal that this band cranks out. EA is a band of mystery with absolutely no information to be found due to the band’s desire to remain in complete anonymity and let the music speak for itself. While there is speculation that this band is actually from Russia, on its Bandcamp site it lists Cody, Wyoming as its place of origin but it has also listed Antarctica thus adding more enigmatic uncertainty to anything about his band at all.

One can only go by what the band claims itself and it seems that EA relies on ancient sacred texts written in a dead language for inspiration and crafts a musical vision that is purportedly interpreting the voices of the ancients that have finally reached us through the centuries. Whatever the case EA formed in 2005 and released its debut EA TAESSE which is a 54 plus minute song split into three parts. The basis of this funeral doom metal like bands such as Esoteric, Shape Of Despair and others is a slow plodding display of sustaining guitar drones that take on a dirge-like procession accompanied by the punctuated beats of drums. EA is exceptionally talented at crafting an atmospheric counterpoint which is where the true diversity of the album resides.

In addition to the plodding guitar distortion, EA employs classical piano runs, synthesized ambience and choir melodies which give the overall music a melodic melancholy that goes above and beyond the duty of the average funeral doom metal band. Although this gives EA TAESSE the feeling that it is really a dark ambient album with metal accoutrements instead of a bonafide extreme metal release, it nevertheless is quite effective in crafting some of the most ethereal and surreal sounds laid out in a doom metal procession regardless of subgenre nomenclature. One could even go as far as calling this symphonic funeral doom metal and that would probably be the best description of it. Despite the extreme slow plodding of the guitar riffs that include a soaring lead as well as a bass driven chord sustain, the tempo does pick up from time to time with heavier emphasis on the bass and drums but the atmospheric river of melancholy remains steadily perched above the metal content to infuse an impending sense of dread.

Like any music of this type, you really have to be in it for the long haul and have no expectations of head banging fury or be in a hurry to rush through it. This is music that oozes into your soul and slowly coats it with an emotive cloak of atmospheric awe. While mostly instrumental, growly vocals do emerge from beneath the guitar fuzz and atmospheric ambience but overall vocals are quite rare save the incessant choir melodies that anchor the melodic constructs to the rhythmic dirges. In between the long haul of epic riffs and emotive oversoul themes are acoustic insertions, melodic guitar leads that soar like a drifting glacier as well as moments of pure ambient music and horror elements. There are also speculations that due to the fact that EA sounds similar to the Russian Melodic Death Doom act Откровения Дождя (known to non-Russian speakers as 'Revelations of Rain’), that at the very least there could possibly be some members involved in this project.

Whatever the case regarding this mysterious band’s identity and whereabouts, one thing is for sure and that is that EA delivers a satisfying 54 minutes plus of quality atmospheric funeral doom metal laced with haunting melodies and dirges of doom sounding unlike any other in the field. Although it’s tempting to lump all such funeral doom acts in the same category, it’s really the subtleties that make or break such acts as the tightrope tension walks are what make it a compelling listen or simply one that irritates to high heaven. Personally i find EA TAESSE to live up to the hype that it exudes an epic timeless feel that very well could be the voices of the ancients channeled through modern day musicians. At the very least, what a cool gimmick! EA has released so far 5 albums but this is perhaps the best as it perfectly exemplifies some strange ancient Babylonian ritual that has been all but lost in time.

Wilytank Here's quite the treat for the modern funeral doom fan: Ea's 'Ea Taesse'. After a long period of intrigue, I've finally had a chance to listen to the whole thing after someone uploaded the entire album in one video on Youtube. I must say, despite the "gimmick" of their lyrical content in some dead language (which you can't understand anyway because you rarely can understand funeral doom vocals), this album has been a very rewarding experience from these reclusive Russians. There's been, in genera, mostly praise for 'Ea Taesse', and it's well deserved.

"Laeleia" begins first with choral wailing, a bell, and some keyboard. When the metal instruments kick in, they feature a nice noticeable difference between rhythm and lead guitar. All the while the choral waling has been going nonstop. when the song finally transitions to the next movement, the waling is replaced by organ, but does return when the first vocal growl is issued. Some little bells or chimes are also used. There's also some nice use od piano and cleaner sounding guitar. Well, already ea has the right qualities for making gloomy, yet beautiful funeral doom. They use their instruments well to create a dense atmosphere of sorrow for this dead culture that they love so much.

"Mea Ta Souluola" begins with those bells/chimes taht sound pretty, yet creepy in a way. This song's first few minutes aren't as beautiful as the first song's, but it does contain a little more gloom. In the first half of the song, the music is mostly reused from the first song with no vocals. Halfway through, they do play new music. during this section, piano and choral wailing make up the majority of the atmosphere, still without vocals. This is a nice transition piece as we head towards the title track. Keyboard ambiance is swiriled around just like it was at the end of "Laeleia".

Leading guitar is added to the ambiance at the official beginning of the title track. The beautiful aspect of the gloominess is back, this time controlled by the lead guitar. The growling returns and none of the music seems to be reused from the previous songs. Eventually, the lead guitar dies down enough to make the vocals slightly more prominent with still a sorrowful riff and keyboards to maintain the atmosphere. After a vocal segment, the guitar breaks into a slow solo, then continues the atmosphere controlled by lead guitar approach used earlier in the song. Finally, with about 9 minutes left, organ replaces the lead guitar as the prominent mood setter. All the while, the choral wailing has bee gooing on in the background. The section from the first song with the cute little bells/chimes is repeated again followed by another section of piano and clean sounding guitar. Keyboards begin building up within the final few minutes joined by choral wailing and finally the metal instruments, a bell, and leading guitar; only for it to all fade away to clean guitar and the sound of wind in the final minute.

Well, I thought it was a worthwhile experience. This is a very strong funeral doom metal album with a good amount of creativity thrown in. I want this album now, and I want to check out their other works as well.