Time Signature Destroy me...

Genre: Francecore

Eths is one of those bands who, while the metalcore elements are quite obvious, are not easy to classify genre-wise, because there is so much more than just the duh-duh-d-d-dun-duuun breakdowns to their music.

The tracks on this album, which was re-released earlier this year, evolve around slightly off riffs, a number of which are even rhythmically challenging in a djent kinda way without being djent, and there is the occasional straight-up metalcore breakdown every now and then, too, and groove seems to be the keyword the defines the entire album. However, rather than just sticking to metalcore aesthetics, Eths - and this is their trademark really - draw on alternative metal, and many of the songs have the introvert melancholy that characterized much alternative rock and alternative metal in the 90s.

The vocals primarily consists of very harsh growls from Candice combined with clean vocals and what is perhaps best described as erotic whispers. Between this at times hysterical vocal approach and the emphasis on riffage, "Sôma" can be a bit tedious to listen to in the long run, but, individually, the songs on the album are generally quite good.

"Sôma" is definitely among the more original metalcore-oriented releases out there, and, although not as good as "III", it is still recommendable if you liked Eths' latest effort.

Time Signature Praedator...

Genre: alternative metalcore

Eths' third album is one of those releases that are difficult to place in one single genre-box, as the French band use elements from a lot of different subgenres within the world of metal. Thus, there is a bit of thrash metal, a bit of melodic death metal, a bit of sludge metal, a bit of gothic metal, and even some symphonic elements every now and then (as in the outro of 'Anatemnein').

However, I think it is safe to say that the cores style is a blend of metalcore and alternative metal, as Eths make extensive use of metalcore styled grooves and the introspective shoegazing feel of much alternative metal. Some tracks, like 'Voragine', lean more towards metalcore, while others, like 'Gravis Venter', lean more towards alternative metal. I am well aware that metalcore and alternative metal are much hated among metal purists, but they can just fuck off, because Eths have really struck a nice balanced between the two genres, and it works brilliantly.

The vocals combine clean soft, almost inward-looking, female singing, delivered by Candice, with harsh growls, primarily also delivered by Candice, although some male backing growls appear every now and then. In addition to singing and growling, Candice also makes use of whispers and spoken word, most of which is delivered in French. The vocals are thus pretty interesting, and the overall musicianship is also quite impressive, and all tracks are performed with precision and tightness.

"III" is definitely an interesting release, combining metalcore and alternative metal very efficiently, and including elements from many other genres, and fans of modern metal should definitely check it out. I was going to give this 3.5 stars, but the fact that Eths include so many French-language lyrics earns them an extra 0.5 star.