Soon after receiving this album by Excommunion, I made it a priority to listen to it. This was my first time being exposed to them, and after recently learning to not ignore any metal coming out of Colorado, I had my expectations set high. Their last full-length album was released back in 2002. I was curious to experience the tenured sound that Excommunion held, seeing that their limited releases have stretched back to their inception with their 1998 demo.
This three man orgy of torture performs riveting death/black metal, combining the best of both sub genres to create a sound and tone that leaves nothing to be desired. Except perhaps some more tracks, as the four present on this EP only warm the appetite. Albeit the shortest track is six and a half minutes, while the remaining are seven minutes each, this album maintains the captivating atmosphere that will make play back value quick and easy.
The combining elements of black and death metal are obvious and executed seamlessly. The production and recording are reminiscent of more classic death metal, while the soul draining tremolo riffs and nerve searing blast beats forecast the atmosphere of raining sulphurus death growls. The driving riffs stretch the composition, bolstering the body of their powerful wall of music, maintaining a heavy yet, very black metal tinged tone, which is mesmerizing.
The first track on the album "Twilight of Eschaton" pulls all these characteristics together in a very complete and diverse song. It covers almost every aspect of death metal, but maintains that black metal spirit which is most evident in this agonized EP. There are few bands that can execute such a cohesive sound and borrow much, but be totally original.
Thronosis was a magnificent surprise for me this Spring, and plan to hold other albums to this standard as we reach the half way point of this year. For fan of quality metal, Excommunion needs to be on your radar and in your collection if they already aren't.
Score: 8.5/10
