RELICON started life in 1998 as a solo project for band leader Antti-Pekka Meronen. Throughout the first ten years the band first expanded into a six-piece band that released three demos during that time. In 2008 the band split up and the band leader decided to work on his own again. That lasted until 2012, when he decided on ending RELICON, only to regroup in 2017,again as a solo endeavour. New music was made and somehow that gained the interest of renowned record label WormHoleDeath, who decided to sign the band in 2024. That resulted in the debut EP "Consequences Of Disbelief". That was seen as a new start, and thus the new members Tuukka Mauranen and Mikko Kuhno were able to enter the scene. That has made it possible for us to listen to their latest EP, "Ephemeral Triumphs", which hit the streets on 29 August 2025. It gives us 18:32 minutes of quite pig-headed music.

I have to tell you from the start that RELICON is not one of those bands that is completely extrovert and in your face. On the contrary, the way three of the four songs on "Ephemeral Triumphs" sound will give you the impression of an introverted band that makes music that is almost void of showing any amotion, just going with the flow. You could say that the Alternative Rock that RELICON makes could be seen as hypothermic. But don't let my description fool you, as the three slower songs do have their strong points, are very much okay in their own way with the exuberance that you usually associate with anything Metal related. Ther only song that fits that description is "Join The Fray". That is when the band lets loose, shows real emotion and goes the whole hog.

It took me some time, but I have to admit that I warmed up to the music on "Ephemeral Triumphs". It's not bad at all and if you are one of those who likes their music a bit alternative, you really should check out what RELICON is all about. I must mention that although this isn't exactly making me jump for joy, I am enjoying the music on "Ephemeral Triumphs". What does help is that all instruments are used in the best way possible. Yes, even the saxophone on "Emergence" fits like the proverbial glove. My conclusion has to be that RELICON is not for the pure Metal masses, but for those who prefer their Rock to be Alternative.