CoC : Ensoph - Bleeding Womb of Ananke : Review

Ensoph - _Bleeding Womb of Ananke_
(Beyond... Prod., 2000)
by: Brian Meloon (9 out of 10)

Italy's Ensoph have finally released the full-length follow-up to their 1998 EP _Les Confessions du Mat_ [CoC #40]. _Bleeding Womb of Ananke_ is similar in style to that album, though more refined. Their sound is somewhat hard to describe, in that they take elements that a lot of bands use -- female operatic vocals, black metal vocals, clean guitars, electronic influences, and classically-influenced keyboards -- but are able to combine them in a way that's unique and original. Their sound is quite gloomy, even in the parts which are more up-tempo. I guess they could fit in the "atmospheric metal" genre, but closer to the Decoryah / In the Woods... side, as they're more atmospheric and less metal. Actually, the mix is about half metal, half more atmospheric sections, but I tend to remember the atmospheric sections more, as their influence permeates all of the music. Their sound is also quite diverse, and it's hard to think of anyone in particular that they sound like, though the elements they blend together aren't completely original. Overall, this is an excellent offering from a band with the courage to define their own sound, and is worth tracking down for fans of the atmospheric metal genre.

(article published 14/1/2002)

ALBUMS
6/15/1999	B Meloon	8	Ensoph - Les Confessions du Mat