Extol
Mesmerized
Reviewed by David Bixler
After the tremendous success of Burial, the mighty Extol has released a very interesting EP. This version by Solid State is basically just a repackaging and U.S. release of the European version that has been available since June. What's cool is that Solid State didn't skimp on the packaging or anything, keeping the fancy digipak and great artwork. So, if you don't have the European release, you are getting essentially the same thing. The first song on the CD, "Enthralled," is a brand new track, and it is nothing short of terrific. For those of you who were unable to obtain the Japanese pressing of Burial containing the bonus track "The Prodigal Son," this has been included as the second track. I always remember wondering if the bonus track was as good as I had been told. Well, I think that it is, as it displays some amazing black metal. The third track, which also happens to be my favorite, is a leftover from the Burial recording sessions. It kind of reminds me of a cross between the heavier Extol sound and the melodic sound of Schaliach. The diversity between the lush singing and the harsh black metal vocals makes for an awesome song. I can't understand why this wasn't included on Burial. The next three tracks are what truly make this CD "interesting." They are industrial remixes of three Extol songs, but not metal-influenced industrial like you might think. Instead, two tracks are remixed by Sanctum, giving forth a noise industrial black metal mix that you will have to hear to believe. If you are a fan of either Sanctum or Mental Destruction as well as the mighty Extol, you will appreciate the fourth and fifth song. I don't particularly care for the last song, which is a remix done by Raison D'etre. To me, it sounds like noise with near muted Extol underneath. If you weren't told it was an Extol song being remixed, I don't think you'd ever be able to tell. Overall, I love this CD. It is always nice to get new tracks, and the industrial remixes provide a very unique twist. You're missing out big if you don't buy this disc - plain and simple. I mean, they are the mighty Extol, are they not?