EP Review: Wizard Tattoo – Living Just For Dying (Garage Fire Recordings)

Wizard Tattoo, the Indianapolis-based progressive metal project by multi-instrumentalist Bram the Bard, returns with the compelling new concept EP ‘Living Just For Dying’, set for release on July 26th, 2024. Picking up where Fables of the Damned left off, this release delves into the mind of an aging protagonist, exploring themes of memory, madness, and imagination.

Following on from the creative Fables of the Damned, Wizard Tattoo sets about immersing the listener once again with this four-track EP. Beginning things in ambient and melodic fashion with the title track. The sound of crickets and the softly strummed guitar is very pleasing, and then the vocals come in to add storytelling weight to the music. As it goes on more cinematic and progressive elements are introduced to add an air of grandiosity to things. It’s a really relaxing track that conjures up the image of sitting around a fire and being told tales.

That vibe continues into The Wizard Who Loved Me, albeit with even more melody and drama. The soft vocals, light playfulness of the guitar rhythm, and unconventional developments can’t hide the lengthening shadows though. Which does mean it’s time for something much heavier, startlingly heavy, with Tomorrow Dies. Wizard Tattoo unleashing a cacophony of progressive darkness that takes this EP up another level.

It’s then back to a more ‘fireside’ feel with the finale of Sanity’s Eclipse, bookending the release. The smooth vocals are so listenable, and the peppier melody is memorable, especially as the progressive side of Wizard Tattoo is ever-present. Evolving into something even more spectacular as it goes on, imaginations run wild as the EP comes to an end.

As creative as ever, as interesting as always, and as striking as expected, Living Just for Dying is a really strong EP and the perfect follow-up to Fables of the Damned.

Wizard Tattoo – Living Just for Dying Track Listing:

1. Living Just For Dying
2. The Wizard Who Loved Me
3. Tomorrow Dies
4. Sanity’s Eclipse

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