I was unfortunately not able to garner much information on this band, save for the names of the duo who created it, and the guest guitarist. Based out of New Zealand, this Melodic Death Metal act released their self-titled debut in 2011, and have no followed that up with "Ends of the Earth," which contains seven tracks, done twice in instrumental fashion as well.

The aptly titled "Euphoria" opens the album, like a beacon of sun piercing pitching grey skies. Melodic guitars meld with keyboards and background ambiance with a bit of a WINTERSUN vibe for me, in the chords and especially in the vocal delivery. The title track opens with soft strings and piano before turning quickly into double bass drum fury and staccato guitar attacks. Epic and ominous, the background vocal chants combine with Symphonic elements and push on that boundary between light and darkness. "Zero below the Sun" opens with what sounds like harp strings, leading into a technically tight instrumental passage establishing the main sound. Rich, complex, alluring, and with indignant vocals, this eight minute beast gives pause about half way through for a beautiful passage complete with both tender and furious lead guitar.

"Mirrors" is a splendid song that really has it all. The commanding main riff is augmented with charming keyboards and intense vocals...all coming at you in rich layers and with character and depth. Emotionally it runs you through many different feelings but at its core is just so wonderful and awe-inspiring to listen to. "Cravenness" opens with staccato guitars that dance joyfully and technically. The chorus is a drawn out affair of melancholy bliss, invigorating your spirit from the inside out. "Oblivion" has an absolutely stunning beautiful sound out of the gate, and held high throughout, like a banner caught high in a mountain storm, refusing to fall. When he talks about the lyric line "beyond redemption I ride," it gives you a more complete picture of its resolve...the song is unbreakable.

"The Grand Becoming" closes what has been a very impressive listening experience. The rhythm of this song will have you nodding along, which soon turns into a full and proper headbang. Throughout the raging vocals, melody shines like white rays of light bursting and disintegrating the deepest layers of utter blackness in the pit of hell. The closing lyric line sums it up very well..."I'm taking a chance when the night falls, no evil will take me down. Experience gained through adversity, I can't become what they want me to be. I'm forever, I'm forever me."

It's fairly easy to draw a comparison to the epic Finnish band WINTERSUN, but don't mistake EUPHOREON for a copycat band. Where I feel the album goes above and beyond is in the crafting and layering of melodies and in the pure and raw emotions that are so easily felt while listening. "Euphoria" is defined as "a state of intense happiness and self-confidence." That is exactly what will move you on "Ends of the Earth." It's graceful, courageous, resolute, dynamic, and spirited. Don't let this release pass you by.