From Bandcamp, “CHIAROSCURO is a converging point of careful study and artistic impulse, conducted through an interpretation of melodic extreme metal forms. The debut EP showcases this young, Baltimore-based band’s ability to weave complexity, melody, and extremity into a cohesive, immersive experience. Vocalist/lyricist Cassiopeia and guitarist/songwriter Nick Temoshok met during their brief stint in a local Baltimore band. The two soon pulled away from that project in a vie for a firm establishment of their collective creative endeavors.”

The EP has four songs, and “Sunbeat” is first. It enters with a slight warm up, and then the aggressive and energetic sound hits. The guitar work is intricate, and the harsh vocals are excellent. As with a lot of newer bands in the genre, they have the Death side of the two down, but not so much the melodic side. “Hekatomb of Malevolence” has some opening dissonance, and meaty bass notes, and from there, a steady, nasty riff. They dial up the aggression and let the melody slide a little. Still it’s a well-composed and contentious sounding song. “Unbridled Darkness” features the roar of vocals fry over a bed of hefty riffing, and the intensity of the song is strong. Some of the lead breaks are also excellent.

“A Song for Ghosts” closes the four-track EP, and it’s another deeply aggressive song with dissonant guitar work. Cassiopeia never lets the rage in her vocals wane…indeed, she reaches for the canopy with every scream. The song is complicated, but also accessible. Overall, this is a promising EP from a band trying to grab some of the gold threads within the Metal genre. The backbone of the album is strong, but it could be a little better balanced with melody and other features that can help to temper the sound. However, if you are hankering for straightforward aggression, this is a good place to start.