It can be tough for a band when releasing material independently for the first time in a while. After over 8 years on AFM Records and 3 albums, German sextet Words of Farewell are now going it alone. While this can make things tricky in some respects, there is an element of creative freedom restored when you’re no longer under pressure to shift units from record executives. So let’s see what the band have to show us on their new 4-track EP, Inner Universe.
Having followed Words of Farewell since their sophomore effort The Black Wild Yonder, I’ve always found a lot of appeal in their metalcore-tinted melodeath style. On opening track “Chronotopos”, they turn that up to 11 with dazzling lead guitars and big chugging riffs, held together with eclectic keyboards from Leo Wichmann that give an almost industrial edge to the music. Guitarists Rob Dirk and Erik Gaßmus are on top form throughout, with “Whispering Deeps” providing a hybrid between the melodic sensibilities of melodeath flagbearers Soilwork and technical metalcore of Bleed From Within, a combination which sounds odd on paper but works surprisingly well.
Of course, it has to be said that Words of Farewell are at their best when they break out of their tried-and-tested formula and do something a little different – and that’s where “Offworld” comes in. The jagged, polyrhythmic riffing and eastern-influenced keyboard melodies present something truly different and interesting on Inner Universe, and shows a different, more experimental side to the Germans’ songwriting. It sets up momentum nicely for EP closer “Alter Memory” which, while still a return to your regular programming, feels a bit fresher than the tracks that opened proceedings.
With all that said, it’s mostly more of the same from Words of Farewell. There isn’t much on Inner Universe that’s markedly different from anything they’ve done before, and you’d think that being independent now, they’d want to stretch their wings a bit more and venture out into more new territories, with “Offworld” being the only real standout in that respect. They still seem to be limiting themselves over what they can do, and they may need a bit more time to really break through those self-imposed restrictions and really test themselves.
Overall, what you get on Inner Universe is at the same time both a success and a disappointment. While Words of Farewell have mastered their craft and execute it with ease, you’re still left feeling like they could do more with what they’ve got at hand. Fans of the band will love this EP, but those looking for something a little different will be left wanting more. We know they can do it, the question lies in whether or not they will on their next outing.
Stream and purchase the EP on below Bandcamp.
Having followed Words of Farewell since their sophomore effort The Black Wild Yonder, I’ve always found a lot of appeal in their metalcore-tinted melodeath style. On opening track “Chronotopos”, they turn that up to 11 with dazzling lead guitars and big chugging riffs, held together with eclectic keyboards from Leo Wichmann that give an almost industrial edge to the music. Guitarists Rob Dirk and Erik Gaßmus are on top form throughout, with “Whispering Deeps” providing a hybrid between the melodic sensibilities of melodeath flagbearers Soilwork and technical metalcore of Bleed From Within, a combination which sounds odd on paper but works surprisingly well.
Of course, it has to be said that Words of Farewell are at their best when they break out of their tried-and-tested formula and do something a little different – and that’s where “Offworld” comes in. The jagged, polyrhythmic riffing and eastern-influenced keyboard melodies present something truly different and interesting on Inner Universe, and shows a different, more experimental side to the Germans’ songwriting. It sets up momentum nicely for EP closer “Alter Memory” which, while still a return to your regular programming, feels a bit fresher than the tracks that opened proceedings.
With all that said, it’s mostly more of the same from Words of Farewell. There isn’t much on Inner Universe that’s markedly different from anything they’ve done before, and you’d think that being independent now, they’d want to stretch their wings a bit more and venture out into more new territories, with “Offworld” being the only real standout in that respect. They still seem to be limiting themselves over what they can do, and they may need a bit more time to really break through those self-imposed restrictions and really test themselves.
Overall, what you get on Inner Universe is at the same time both a success and a disappointment. While Words of Farewell have mastered their craft and execute it with ease, you’re still left feeling like they could do more with what they’ve got at hand. Fans of the band will love this EP, but those looking for something a little different will be left wanting more. We know they can do it, the question lies in whether or not they will on their next outing.
Stream and purchase the EP on below Bandcamp.
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