Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Ewigkeit – Conspiritus – 2005 – Earache Records

Track Listing1. Intro – The Hypothesis 2. It’s Not Reality 3. Square Sunrise 4. The Nightmare Institution 5. Far Away From Heaven 6. Transcend the Senses 7. The Thought Police 8. How to Conquer the World (Live at the Bohemian Grove) 9. Theoreality 10.Conspiritus

Ewigkeit is the solo project of James Fogarty. A native of Great Britain, with his latest album “Conspiritus” Fogarty dishes up some oddly pieced together industrial music. He started out a member of the British black metal scene years ago, but evolved his sound to what sounds like almost a blend of hard rock and techno. The music has very little to do with metal, with the rock influences most likely coming from earlier British bands such as Pink Floyd.

“Conspiritus” is a strange release for several reasons. Fogarty gives the album a twisted futuristic concept that brings to mind classic novels like 1984 and Brave New World – human freedom and government control are both very prevalent themes. As for the songs, several of them have parts that come entirely out of nowhere, like some harmonica lines in “Square Sunrise.” Fogarty’s vocals are clean and almost spoken at a mid-range tone. Vocals like these are not often found in metal music, but they fit Ewigkeit’s sound quite nicely. Not every single tune on this one is a winner, but cuts like “It’s Not Reality” and “The Nightmare Institution” are very strong. These two are faster and more upbeat than the album’s other tracks. Traits like these in a song pique my interest more than, say, “Transcend the Senses,” which is slower and filled with annoying soundclips.

I can honestly say I haven’t heard anything like “Conspiritus” before, so comparisons and recommendations are pretty difficult to do. It’s far from a bad effort, and Fogarty’s innovation should be praised. I suppose it’s safe to say that any open-minded metal fan looking to try a new sound should give Ewigkeit a shot.


7.5/10

--Veritas 12.05.05