Turtle Island/Tkaronto doom metal crew Ethereal Tomb are no strangers to us. Whether it be interviews or music reviews, they always seem to be on the radar. And that does not change with long awaited release of their new EP Life Beyond Oppressor’s Brutality. Not only does this record contain four amazing hardcore infused sludge and doom metal tracks, it is also full of absolutely raw unfiltered emotion that almost anyone might be able to relate to. Vocalist and guitarist Alexander Senum, alongside Caleb Eskins (drums track 1) and Jake Ballah (drums tracks 2-4), have made a record for the people by the people and it’s exactly what the people have been asking for. Recorded and mixed by Jake Ballah as well in their parents basement while mastering was completed by Matt Gunn; Ethereal Tomb have perfected the doom metal style and made it entirely their own on this new EP and it really shows. When asked about the record, Senum states “This music is for people that hate their jobs, people that hate the cops, people not being able to afford to put food on the table, and people that hate the other wonderful things that come with imperialism, captialism and colonialism.”
The record opens with a deadly Dance Me Outside movie sample before slamming into ‘Landback Stomp’, a three minute track which contains the perfect blend of hardcore and sludge metal right down to its very core. If you’ve been following their Ethereal Tomb then you’d know their very clear indigenous lives matter and anti-colonial message. “Landback Stomp”, void of many lyrics overall, sets that very tone with the title of the track alone.
This track delivers on all fronts musically from Caleb Eskins drumming to the bass and guitar work. Without waiting too long, the message is made clear with vocalist Alexander Senum shouting the tracks name with style directly into ones ear cavity with confidence. The perfect album opener to say the least, this track is only the tip of the sludgy iceberg.
As listeners make their way to the final track on the record, title track ‘Life Beyond Oppressor’s Brutality’, they’ll have probably picked up on the many great influences it contains. From doom legends like Sleep and Black Sabbath to bands like Cannibal Corpse, Cold As Life, Suffocation, and more. These influences have made a near perfect record but nothing seems to make this record more perfect than closing the only way Ethereal Tomb know how. ‘Life Beyond Oppressor’s Brutality’ is the best example of modern doom metal today. Fuzzed up and distorted guitar tones meet the earth crumbling pound of the drums while vocals scream a satisfying wail any doom fan can get behind. This five minute track will leave fans begging for more.
Ethereal Tomb have delivered a near perfect record with Life Beyond Oppressor’s Brutality. This record is not only the perfect example of modern doom metal, but with the addition of hardcore and sludge in the mix, it’s sure to become one of the most important pieces of work in modern metal history. Ethereal Tomb continue to put out great music while spreading their anti-colonial message across Turtle Island and they’re a group everyone should have in their playlist in 2024. They’re making big moves and no one will want to miss it because it seems to be only and uphill climb from here.