Ecocide -
Of Endless Decay
You might know Ecocide from Haarlem, The Netherlands but if you are not, they’re a (hardcore) death metal 5-piece that used to play old school death metal but have perfected their sound to an unique blend of HM2 violence with hardcore inspired death metal. Now, Ecocide give their new style an EP treatment. Let’s dive in.
After their 2nd full length ‘Metamorphosis’, Ecocide have presented us ‘Of Endless Decay’ with their new sound and new refreshed line-up. Sten has stepped down from guitar/vocal duties and now focuses more on vocals. Dennis has changed his guitar strings to bass strings since Rick has left the band. To replace Dennis and Sten on guitar, they got hold of the talented guitarists Jesper and Daniel from the respectable Obstruktor and Colombian Necktie. With that line up, they have fabricated a new hardcore death metal style that will shake the (Dutch) metal-scene.
With those changes made, Ecocide has made vigorous changes to their legacy. Replacing Rick, who was in the band since the beginning, ain’t just someone to easily replace. Dennis has stepped up and has made a noticeable difference. With new fresh ears and eyes and Sten letting go of the limitation of playing guitar, Ecocide is presenting us with insane hardcore-esque breakdowns and riffs. No, they are not forgetting the fact that they (used) to play old school death metal because those elements are still there. Probably not what you are used to with the old school death metal Ecocide presented us during their debut record ‘Eye Of Wicked Sight’ but more an elevated riff fest you get on ‘Metamorphosis’. The overall sound on ‘Of Endless Decay’ sounds mature.
During the songs, especially ‘Cloak & Dagger’, there are a lot of memorable moments that might even get stuck into your head. Mainly I am talking about the main (chorus) riff of ‘Cloak & Dagger’. ‘Embers’ might have the heaviest breakdown but ‘Cloak & Dagger’ takes the cake with the most memorable moment during ‘Of Endless Decay’.
After seeing them play for over 10 years, I can say that everyone that is in the band is finally at his place. With basically everyone, except Bas, being given a new role in Ecocide, the whole band feels like a new band but with much more experience. The songs, especially their first single of ‘Of Endless Decay’ ‘Cloak & Dagger’, are mature. The songwriting and the whole production are flawless. Every single band member has gotten more and more seriously regarding overall sound and songwriting it seems. With adding in more solo’s, Ecocide gives a new aspect to their overall sound. I guess we can blame Daniel for that one.
With all of these songs already being played live for several gigs, fans have surely been bombarded with the new style and sound from Ecocide. They will notice that Sten has taken his new role as a complete frontman very seriously and has evolved himself into a certified front man which other (local) bands will be jealous of. During the live shows, it will be impossible to not headbang to the new songs on ‘Of Endless Decay’. Mixing that with the ‘oude beukers’ from previous releases, Ecocide are completely ready to obliterate you during their release show on the 9th of November in Slachthuis Haarlem, The Netherlands.