Review EKTOMORF ‘Vivid Black’

Ektomorf belongs to the bands, that are around since decades and polarizes. For some, the band of mainman Zoltan “Zoli” Farkas is copy-cat of bands like Sepultura and Soulfly. For others, the groove-based metal is a much-appreciated metal experience since the band’s start in 1993. Now, Ektomorf is around for three decades which shows passion and willpower.

‘Vivid Black’ is the newest strike of the four-piece powerhouse and Ektomorf didn’t change a lot when it comes to their musical compass. Heavy riffs and mighty groove are what blasts out of the speakers after having pressed the ‘Start’-button.

‘I’m Your Last Hope (The Rope Around Your Neck)’ is the brutal opener of the album that showcases a band that is angry and furious. The following ‘Die’ is a continuation of the chosen direction and the roaring guitars on ‘I Don’t Belong to You’ are another statement for heaviness.

Ektomorf doesn’t deliver Houdini action. Instead, the band hits the string really hard what also goes for the intense ‘You and Me’ which is obviously anything but a love song. The wildness of this track even reminded me of Slipknot.

A little bit different is the start of the title track with its samples. Those don’t remain long into the song as the riffs and Zoli’s scream takes over the scene rather quickly. However, the starting theme returns in the darkened verse of the song whole the chorus is the musical explosion. It’s an insane vibe that comes with song and for a reason it became the title track for the album.

The next two songs follow the basic pattern of the album again and it is ‘REM’ that heralds the final chapter of ‘Vivid Black’. The closer though is kept calmer and has the sinister and gloomy feel of the title track.

‘Vivid Black’ is a typical Ektomorf album although it has a few moments that are surprising. The record has this pulverizing intensity and roaring power. Folks who liked the earlier releases will also enjoy ‘Vivid Black’ which means that Ektomorf delivers to expectations.