Behind Crimson Eyes - Prologue: The Art of War/Cherry Blossom Epitaph

It seems Behind Crimson Eyes love nothing more than a good story. But whereas their debut EP Pavour Nocturnus dealt with the transformation into a terror of the night, Prologue, a double A side single, tells the musical story of the band. The two A-sides both show very different aspects of the band, and a noticeable progression from Pavour Nocturnus.

The first track, The Art of War has the most in common with that release, and what the band have made their name for. A single guitar line explodes into a post-hardcore chorus as the words “I scream out your name to the night” are, appropriately enough, screamed out at us. But the verse is what immediately strikes you as the newest element to the band’s sound. This is extra catchy, even for them, with the drumbeat and short bouncy guitar line giving the feel of an ‘80s pop song, but with punk guitars replacing the synths. But hang on, in the second verse, and in the bridge… those ARE synths in the background. There was a minor experimention with electronics to towards the end of Pavour Nocturnus, but this is much more forward.

But that’s nothing compared to the change that Cherry Blossom Epitaph shows. This is a completely new side to the band. Soft and sweetly written, the usual screamings for the chorus are replaced by a female backing vocal, “don’t breathe in to breathe out”. Finally the reasoning behind a double A-side becomes clear. Both songs are well written and could stand on their own, but only really give half the story of what the band can do.

There are two more songs included on the CD as well. If Cherry Blossom Epitaph strays too far from the old sound for anyone, Revenge I – Of the Cradle will bring them right back home. It’s got screaming, it’s got a head banging beat, it’s got the twin guitar attack, and it’s the old Behind Crimson Eyes again. Final track In Memory Of continues the experimentation, again in a slightly different direction. Electronic drums, synth melodies and rhythms and subdued vocals over only a soft guitar melody. It’ll be interesting to see how this accepted by the bands fans, but it’s good to see them already trying something else with their sound. It also leads one to wonder what type of ground they’d cover on a full length release. This is after all, just the prologue…

(Originally published on FasterLouder)