Epicurean - A Consequence of Design
Released: March 04th, 2008
Label: Metal Blade
Band Website:www.epicureanmetal.com

Review by Nathan Dufour

Excellent, another dictionary worthy name. Epicurean means to be predisposed to various sorts of luxury, and these Minnesota gentleman certainly deliver in that respect. Self described as being "break down free since 2003" I was not entirely sure what to expect when I hit the play button. Was it going to be Thrash? Black Metal? Power Metal? The answer, curiously enough, is all of the above. Weaving actual textural quality amidst stellar guitar work and a multi faceted vocalist in John Laramy, Epicurean polish the chalice of true metal and hand it to you, the eager listener. A sure standout track is number three, "Lithograph." Boasting an ungodly HUGE production, the song itself embodies the word epic but not in an over-the-top cheesy way. No. Somehow the men in Epicurean have captured the oft goofy nature of Power Metal and fused it with the breadth and majesty of Thrash. Keys are used sparingly and only to accent key parts of songs, and all the while soaring vocals do battle with demonesque screams of a man possessed. Guitars swirl in Maiden-worship (and don’t they all, really?) while drums and bass provide a backdrop of pure steel. As I listen to this album more, it grows like a moss and my ears are the North side of the tree. Truly, I hope that Metal Blade will continue to unearth (no pun intended) bands of this caliber, because in a market that seems dominated by Hot Topic and a nouveau-riche sort of Glam, it is really refreshing to lend my ears to music that makes me think and gets my own personal creative juices flowing. "A Consequence of Design" is invigorating, inspiring, and worth repeated visits. Also, anyone who can take the vocal effect from "Blue" by Eiffel 65 and make it work is deserving of money. Lots of money. Support this band; they are currently touring and if they are near you, do yourself a favor and check them out. You will not leave unsatisfied, and I think that may be the best consequence of trying to learn Epicurean’s design.

Visit Epicurean's official website: www.epicureanmetal.com/