"Hamartia" is the fourteenth release from the Swedish death/gothic metal band TRIBULATION. This four-track EP features three original songs followed by a cover of "Vengeance (The Pact) by BLUE ÖYSTER CULT. TRIBULATION have played death metal for the majority of their career, making the switch to a more gothic sound since their 2021 album, "Where The Gloom Becomes Sound." This tectonic shift has made their sound richer and more accessible.

The first track, "Hamartia," has a straightforward gothic metal introduction with an infectious hook and pounding drums. There is a nice call-and-response vocal element where Johannes Andersson's vocals rasp in the left channel, then whisper back in the right. The riffs are tight and the vocal tone could easily be considered black metal raspiness. It's a catchy song that still has a certain bite to it. Following "Hamartia," is "Axis Mundi." This one has a faster intro that quickly evolves into the hook. The instruments drop out for the vocals in the verses and sync up for the shouted chorus. This will make for great sing-along opportunities at their live shows. The lead guitar solo is perfect within the context of this song. The toll of a bell can be heard right before the somewhat dissonant outro. This bit isn't jarring. It's a pleasant surprise.

My favorite track on "Hamartia" is the third original song, "Hemoclysm." It is nearly seven minutes long, starts slow, and steadily builds in intensity. Andersson's vocals are lower and more like their earlier death metal version. This is still a gothic metal track with its chanted choral elements and sustained guitar notes. The song's crescendo comes in the form of an engaging lead guitar solo. This song also has excellent pacing. I am a fan of TRIBULATION's recent gothic metal output and "Hamartia" has the makings of a fine EP. The cover of "Vengeance (The Path)" is also satisfying, even if it is the weakest track on this EP. Overall, "Hamartia" is twenty-two minutes well spent. Every track has something that warrants repeat listens and whets my appetite for their next full-length release.