RIFF REWIND (11/07/2013): Before the Eyewall - "Before the Eyewall"

Before the Eyewall is a heavy, psychedelic, instrumental trio based in Columbus, Ohio. BTE was brought to life on January... 26th, 2010 and is comprised of 2 former members of current SLUDGELORD faves Kenoma. Having released one demo in 2011, they self-released their first full-length self-titled album in March of 2013.  Limited to 500 Copies, the CD was presented in a clear case with artwork and layout by drummer Aaron O'Brien-Eichman. “Before the Eyewall” was recorded at Popside Studios in Troy, OH by Brian Whitten and mastered by Colin Marston. 

Before the Eyewall are best described as doomy, atmospheric and psychedelic, drawing comparisons to similar doomy post-metal acts like Mouth of the Architect or even Light Bearer, with a strong focus on heavy cinematic tension and guitar interplay.  Released four years ago, the proposed vinyl release never came to fruition and with no word on a follow from the band, or indeed whether they are still active, I feel it is time to remind you all just how awesome this album was and perhaps reignite the spark within the band to follow up this stunning record. 

Today we are rewinding the riffs back 4 years to the day in order present the astonishing “Before the Eyewall”. So if you missed it the first time, be sure to remedy your error by checking out our review in full below. 

By: Clayton Bartholomew

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 4/6/2013

Label: Independent

On “Before the Eyewall”, we see stripped down walls of sheer octave-dropped power, as expansive and grand as any mountain range, and with all of the subtlety and patience of tectonic plates shifting between continents

“Before the Eyewall” CD//DD track listing:

1). Skyrises

2). Path of Ash & Desperation

3). Tome of the Concentric Eye

4). Skyfalls

The Review:

If Red Sparrowes were to drunkenly have casual intercourse with the members of Yob, the unplanned result would sound something like Columbus, OH’s Before the Eyewall.  And praise be to Jesus! For allowing such a union to procreate, the bastard offspring brought to full term. If not for this, I would be forced to rethink my pro-choice stance. There should be laws against hasty decisions not to let something this good come to fruition.

On “Before the Eyewall”, the first full length album that the three-piece have crafted, we see stripped down walls of sheer octave-dropped power, as expansive and grand as any mountain range, and with all of the subtlety and patience of tectonic plates shifting between continents. Just as easily, the band weave psychedelic clean interludes… catchy guitar-based melodies that expand into richly orchestrated textures, building the groundwork for further sonically devastating outbursts of lower register earthquakes that leave the listener pummelled one minute and pacified the next.

Did I mention that these guys are instrumental? The lack of vocals (which can sometimes detract from the hypnotic qualities bands like this are going for) are not missed. This record goes through an evolution and the arrangements are varied enough to keep the listener engaged without the need for vocal clutter.

Overall, this record serves as a journey, building in intensity to the point of crescendo. Themes reoccur; reimagined and refreshed, serving as reminders of the more powerful and thought-provoking sections of the record. Some three piece bands without vocals could probably find it difficult to keep things interesting, but this is not the case with Before the Eyewall. “Before the Eyewall” is definitely worth picking up, and reveals a band that demand to be paid attention to.

Band info: Bandcamp || Facebook