{"id":12100,"date":"2015-02-10T15:05:07","date_gmt":"2015-02-10T15:05:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/album-review-essence-smoke-and-mirrors-ep\/"},"modified":"2018-03-21T22:03:19","modified_gmt":"2018-03-21T22:03:19","slug":"album-review-essence-smoke-and-mirrors-ep","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/album-review-essence-smoke-and-mirrors-ep\/","title":{"rendered":"Album Review:\u00a0Essence – Smoke And Mirrors EP"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"In recent years Belgium has turned into a hot bed for emerging talent with the likes of Now, Voyager making themselves known and now Essence<\/b> have arrived to make their mark. After a decade of existing as a band, this five piece have been through the usual changes and challenges any band goes through and have now found a formula that suits them.<\/p>\n

On first listen the 5 songs found on ‘Smoke And Mirrors’<\/i> isn’t anything revolutionary yet on further inspection there is something special about what Essence<\/b> has to offer. From the outset on ‘Submerged’<\/i> its clear their musicianship is outstanding with technical riffs and pummeling drums dominating above aggressive vocals. There is muscle and ferociousness in the bands playing yet, somewhat unfortunately, its’s a formula they stick with for the remainder of the EP.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Although tracks like ‘Recovery’<\/i> and ‘The Climb’<\/i> make it impossible for you to catch your breath by delivering their constant brand of frantic metalcore. Essence<\/b>’s sound comes off as one dimension and lacks expansion. Whilst Michiel’s vocals, at times, lack the emphasis his words needs as he battles against crunching guitars and tasty riffs.<\/p>\n

Nevertheless the closing track, ‘Prophecy’<\/i> offers a glimpse into the bands (hopefully) varied future with a more progressive, atmospheric approach, but its their sheer musical power that continues to dominate to the final moments. However this isn’t a bad thing.<\/p>\n

From to start finish ‘Smoke And Mirrors’<\/i> is well executed and will certainly grabs people attention as Essence<\/b> have the ingredients of being a great metal band. They now just need to use them to create a recipe that is varied, refined and will open doors for them down the line.<\/p>\n

3.5\/5<\/p>\n

‘Smoke And Mirrors’<\/i> EP by Essence<\/b> is out now.<\/p>\n

Essence<\/b> links: Facebook<\/a>|Twitter<\/a>|YouTube<\/a><\/p>\n

Words by Sean Reid (@SeanReid86<\/a>)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In recent years Belgium has turned into a hot bed for emerging talent with the likes of Now, Voyager making themselves known and now Essence have arrived to make their mark. 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