Coming from Ferrara, Italy, Gothic Metal band LEVANIA have released their second EP so far, "Episode 0". Building on the influences of Gothic Metal bands like LACUNA COIL or MOTIONLESS IN WHITE, they also add some Metalcore and Industrial sounds into the mix. The EP is only a little over eight minutes and a half in length, divided into three tracks, one of them an instrumental. It is a short ride, for sure, but still a lot of fun to listen.

Things get started with the Dubstep-tinged "Abyss", based on a danceable beat and catchy riffing, Ligeia's voice moves powerfully alongside Still's harsher tones, but this is no "beauty and the beast" approach, as vocal effects add grit to the female vocals too. Some Techno and Dance influences also bleed into the song's structure, thanks to the addition of synths and weird electronic noises. A strong chorus keeps things interesting.

"Reflections" is heavier and more guitar-oriented, even featuring a great guitar solo by Ritchie in its too short three minutes and a half. Metalcore influences shine here and Still's vocals take the spotlight. Some growling adds an angry nerve to the track. The electronic flourishes put it closer to mainstream Modern Metal, mainly differentiating itself by Ligeia's vocal counterpoint. It mostly reminded me of STARSET's more pop material, with a dash of EVANESCENSE's heavier side.

"Reckoning" is a hypnotic instrumental that feels straight out of a sci-fi film. Mainly synth-based, it shows off the musicianship of the band, even clocking at exactly one minute and a half. In a way, it feels a bit like a cliffhanger, and leaves you wanting more.

"Episode 0" is an entertaining EP, albeit a bit too short. The band excels at fusing disparate elements from different genres, and although the Gothic sound is mostly confined to the opener here, there's that halo of mystery on "Reckoning" too. It is also very much a collective effort, with a solid rhythm section, great interplay of the guitar and keyboards, and although Ligeia's vocals are supposed to be leading, here they are properly balanced with Still's.

Production is very adequate to the type of music, and I specially find the mixing of the synths and electronic beats to be quite intriguing when listening through headphones, it helps you get into the music. If the intention was to keep the listener waiting for more, LEVANIA have succeeded.