Band:	Envenom Ascension
Album:	Elkenrod
Style:	Black metal
Release date:	January 2008

01. Dying With Honor
02. Elkenrod
03. Dominus Infernus
04. Our Destiny Awaits

Envenom Ascension's previous effort, "Murkland", completely failed to impress me. Their sound was too unoriginal and uninspired to set my Metal heart aflaming. Now these American occultists are back with a new EP, entitled "Elkenrod", and they seem to have reached a similar conclusion upon re-listening their older work. "Elkenrod" beats his predecessor on every front, and is worthy of another listen. That is a feat that 80% of todays Black metal bands is not capable of achieving.

The most prominent instrument is the bass, which provides a constant melodic, dense buzz. It strongly reminds me of the English Depressive Black Metal act "Ashes", albeit it that only the bass sounds similar, since Envenom Ascension sounds lively and profane, whereas Ashes sounds dead and long-forgotten. The guitars flow smoothly over the bass, occasionally drawing attention to themselves with a squeeky slide. Other than that they seem content with providing the wall of sound.

My only complaint with this album is the closing acoustic piece. While it is well-performed and certainly not boring. However, the three songs prior where such fun, I would have preferred another Black Metal song.

"Elkenrod" is a great improvement from the last album, and convinced me not to write this band off. Hopefully they will manage to realize similar progression on the next offering. It's short duration may also play a role in this, but I often find myself listening to it two or three times in a row. Play it loud.