No, this is not the new QOTSA record - it's better. ERA VULGARIS is a new prog/thrash hybrid out of Dublin, Ireland. They have thrown us a multi-faceted 55-minute, 8 track epic of epic proportions. There are many sides to this recording, and all of them together were quite overwhelming at first. This is the type of release that takes repeated listens to just 'get it', some more to enjoy it, then a few more to gain respect for it. Simply put, ERA VULGARIS does not fit into any specific category or genre, except for all of them.

The tunes are part thrash, part groove, part jazz/fusion -- everything but the kitchen sink is in here. Vocals range from calm and clean to PANTERA-esque shrieks and growls. The riffs and changes call to mind early MERCYFUL FATE or METALLICA. Jazzy breakdowns could remind you of bands like LAST CRACK or SLOUGH FEG. Guitar leads resemble the duality of BIBLE OF THE DEVIL, and tones mimic GREG GINN. Get my drift? It's little bit of everything here, and they seem to make it work. Potential abounds here, and what direction the band will take is anyone's guess. The down side with EV is that there may actually be too many influences shining through. Casual listeners beware - this is not a simple for the ears to digest. Some of the songs are much too long. For example, the opening track clocks in at over 8 minutes, and seems a bit repetitive at times. Check out their MySpace page for streaming audio, especially for track 5 on the record, "I Must Have Your Brain" during which the jazzy side comes out in full force. Be prepared, be very prepared.

- Murtaugh

OFFICIAL SITE: www.eravulgaris.com

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