Ilienses Tree – Edda (Review)

Ilienses Tree are an Italian metal band and this is their latest EP.

This EP contains 5 tracks and lasts 25 minutes. The first and last of these are intro/outro tracks, so the meat of the release is in the three songs in the middle.

The band’s music is evocative and emotive, combining elements of black, death, and doom metal together to create its art. Edda reminds of some of the older, classic doom metal from the UK, (Paradise Lost, Anathema, My Dying Bride), merged with a European flavour, (Katatonia, Amorphis).

Mournful melodies and gloomy riffs power the songs along, and there’s a certain nostalgia to be had from listening to Edda. This shouldn’t negate its relevance or effectiveness, however, as I seem to have rather quickly developed a soft spot for this EP; it’s very disarming in its authenticity and honesty. It’s clear that this music has been put together for the sheer love of metal, which is a great thing to hear.

The songs are well-written and quite enjoyable. There’s still room to polish and spruce things up a bit here and there, but overall it’s clear that Ilienses Tree have talent and know a thing or two about the style. They seem to have a collective ear for a good lead melody, especially.

I liked this a lot. Give it a listen and see what you think.