Band:	Eden Circus
Album:	Marula
Style:	Alternative metal, Post-metal, Progressive metal
Release date:	October 14, 2014
A review by:	tea[m]ster

01. Devoid Of Purpose
02. Comfort
03. A Desert In Between
04. 101
05. Arc
06. Summon A Ghost
07. A Shore Uncertainty
08. Her Lovely Hands Upon The Black Earth
09. Playing You

Marula is an album that probably slipped by most atmospheric metal fans in 2014. If you dig deep enough or if you have a little patience, nice surprises always seem to find their way in the metal world - especially in this day and age. Somehow or another, usually by way of Facebook, Twitter, Bandcamp emails, forums or plenty of other media outlets, hidden gems get their needed exposure. Marula is THE album in 2014 that garners this attention.

Hamburg, Germany's Eden Circus took an odd path getting to Marula. The quintet was formed in 2010 and after a couple years of honing their writing skills during jam sessions and impromptu get-togethers, instead of making an album, they took those ideas to the road first. Playing live exclusively during 2012 and 2013 allowed the band time to refine their sound, attaining the rehearsal and inspiration needed for recording their first major LP. It's a nice payoff, Marula is a huge album, both length and content-wise. Over 60 minutes of music, the elements on the album consist of accessible, alternative metal structures conveying with emotional post rock and progressive metal intricacies. It truly is a unique sound, giving the band an identity all their own.

The balance between soft and heavy sequences is perfect and the seamless time changes generate the kind of mood and atmosphere that really gets the brain working and the blood pumping. Maynard James Keenan-type of whispered singing abruptly changes into elicit death growl explosions, light and airy guitar verses gracefully drift into crushing riffs and memorable melodies, and overall simplistic tones and textures balance perfectly with layered, dense, hard-hitting choruses. Intrigue, mystique and mystery are all features that enhance the listening experience and with additional replays, the innovation and complexity will eventually shine through from the very first song to the last. Every track has it's own individuality, I can distinctively remember what each song sounds like and they all have the ability to dance around in your head for long periods of time.

If Karnivool, Soen and Tool are bands that interest you, Eden Circus will not only hold their own with them but might be a tier above. I always have a tendency to overreact when rating albums I like, but I love this album so much I have no choice but to give Marula a near perfect rating. The flow, presentation and production are elite quality; the spaciness between the instruments is done to perfection and the creative energy, eventful moments and flawless execution lift Marula towards Album Of The Year status. It's as good as an atmospheric metal listen since Anathema's We're Here Because We're Here and I can't stop listening.