EP Review: Priests of Prometheus – Lodestar (Self Released)

Lodestar is the debut EP of Justin ‘Turtle’ Wolz’s personal project, Priests of Prometheus. He has collected 4 of his more death metal songs although they don’t strictly adhere to the format. They reflect his love of dynamic songwriting, harmonies, and the occasional off-time rhythms. With influences from the likes of Cannibal Corpse, Suffocation, Hate Eternal, Dying Fetus and Candiria.

Lodestar will be released on January 1st 2020.

It begins with Omnigore, a thumping death metal number inspired by the book, The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by the late neurologist, Oliver Sacks. The intimacy of the instruments clashing at the start gives way to a much more sickening and familiar feeling of intensity and speed. It’s raw and blood-thirsty but not without merit as Wolz constantly plays around with expectations. The track never quite going in the direction you might expect, the meat of the rhythm layered with a sharp and high-pitched guitar whine.

Darkened is an apt title, as Priests of Prometheus throw caution to the wind for a crunchy and chaotic listen. Playing on the the theme that we as humans find ourselves with this ability to reason yet use it for hate and destruction.

Whereas Lacuna of Forgetfulness is based off of The Lost Mariner (ibd. Chapter 2) about a gentleman that had Korsakoff Syndrome. It is a severe memory disorder that is commonly caused by alcohol abuse. This person was locked in the past mentally. He believed that he was still young (20’s), but was clearly to everyone else, not so (50’s). The song plays out his plight both as the person and from the perspective of the doctor.

An amazing piece of inspiration, it results in a track that is the most surprising of the bunch. It’s got filthy death metal groove but alongside it, plenty of unexpected elements too such as varying vocals. A little cleaner at times, a bit gruffer at others and the track has these bursts of savagery that just slay. A personal favourite as it is so very unique sounding.

Finally we have Enlightened, a finale that ties into the same theme as Darkened but surrounds those who would throw of the shackles of tyranny and use their abilities for good. This suggests it will be more of an uplifting track and that is the case but it’s also nearly 9 minutes long.

The first couple are all about folksy-style melody where a flute is heavily featured. Just as you find yourself sinking into the mire, the track erupts and the fire burns with renewed heat. Although it’s far from what you might expect though, instead almost having a ritualistic style with chanting segments and declarations of heaviness. It’s pretty damn special and further proof that Priests of Prometheus have begun 2020 with a bang.

Priests of Prometheus – Lodestar Full Track Listing:

1. Omnigore
2. Darkened
3. Lacuna of Forgetfulness
4. Enlightened

Links

Bandcamp | Facebook