ATAVISTIA were formed in 2016 and they are from Vancouver, Canada. They are a symphonic Death/Black Metal band, and they have released three full-length albums. “Inane Ducam” is the second EP and it has a length of about 23 minutes. The EP is an independent release. The EP starts with the title song, which is an atmospheric, tension-building introduction using the keyboards and the piano, accompanied by a short vocal part at the end of the 90-second track. “Inane Ducam” provides the main melodic framework to “Timeless Despair”. This one is a frantic track, mainly played blisteringly fast with a few twists in tempo and rhythm. The melodies are epic and dark, and the riffing ranges from being powerful to being tight. The vocals are growls and they cover most of the guttural range. In fact, there is an alternation of deep-lying growls and highly pitched screams throughout the track. “Timeless Despair” includes orchestral arrangements, which are prominent at times, but mainly contributing to the song in the background. The track is the official video release, and the YouTube link is provided below. “Dark Isolation” starts with orchestral arrangements, driven by the brass, leading into thunderous riffing at a measured tempo with a sluggish rhythm. The melodies are blood-freezing and the arrangements in the background intensify the dark sound. The vocals are mainly deep growls with some tonal shifts. There are some clean vocals parts during the middle part of the track, which are supported by background vocals and blast-beat thunderstorms. “Dark Isolation” is symphonic Death/Black Metal at its best and a highlight of the release.

“Unattained Creation” continues with the measured tempo and the sluggish rhythm. The track is driven by the direct and aggressive riffing, the relentless double-bass drumming, and ferocious vocals. The orchestral arrangements provide an extra grim atmosphere in the background and add an extra dimension to the song. The track is building up tension as time goes by and this released into a very contributing lead guitar solo. “Unattained Creation” is another highlight of the EP. The final track “The Void” is another frantic affair at insane pace with hammering blast-beat attacks. There are twists and turns in tempo throughout, with an extended mid-tempo part during the middle of the track. This includes also a short but contributing lead guitar solo. The orchestral arrangements are mostly in the background, but very prominent at some distinct parts of the track. The melodies of “The Void” are epic, in particular during the finale with the orchestra being at full swing. It is with seven minutes also the longest track of the EP.

ATAVISTIA deliver a very good symphonic Death/Black Metal EP. “Inane Ducam” is an excellent symbiosis of relentless Death Metal hammering with Black Metal twists, of well-composed orchestral arrangements, and of a dark melodic framework. The songwriting is very mature. The EP is well produced. If “Inane Ducam” is a teaser for a future full-length album, then symphonic Death/Black Metal fans have something to look forward to. If it is not, then they should simply enjoy listening to a great release.