Swarm Of Eyes – “We Go To War With The Weapons We Have”
Lots of folks don’t know how Swarm Of Eyes got their name.
Seems it was Swarm Of Bees at first. They didn’t like that so they proceeded to move up the alphabet. Swarm of Seas (C’s) was next. Then Swarm of Deese but that only went over in New York and New Jersey. “Put deese over dare.” Swarm of Ease but that was already taken by an Eagles tribute band and Swarm of G’s by a rap cover band.
They almost settled on H’s, but when they hit upon Swarm of I’s they know they had finished their journey. (Though they were briefly known as a metal/reggae band- Swarm of Eye and Eye.) But all of this is not pertinent to the story.
What is, is the Swarm Of Eyes has been a metal band that TNB has kept it’s “eye” upon for sometime now and that’s because, though many of the best local metal bands have met their demise, this great band still keeps thriving in Satan’s shadow.
So five or so years ago, Andy Bang described them as, “An exciting brand of metal that ranges from blackened thrashy death to moody doom metal…both Slimey and I were impressed by their live performance.”
And I’m very impressed with this Ep, so let’s listen on:
“Tell Your God To Ready For Blood,” the word “be” left out of the title in a symbolic rejection of their original name. This epic song starts with the sound of helicopters swooping into a heavy, headbangin’ beat with a nailed to the floor powerful rhythm. And some sick, dissonant licks flying in like ravenous vultures. The intensity is increased with some first whispered, then screamed black/death vocals. There’s a neat, burbling bass line that leads into a chorus where the screaming main vocal is answered by a hardcore chorus of “ready for blood.” This song reminds me of Marilyn Manson at his goth/metal best which I think is a great thing. And I, also, think this is an intensely, great song, my favorite on this EP.
With an awesome, demonic lick and some stop and go rhythms, “Left To Burn,” starts out in a fiery burn like a misplaced cigarette in an explosives factory. This is a churning, burning, thrashy number with some great, metallic jazz like riffing sliding in to give some contrast to the gruff, growling vocals. “She left me to burn.” This song is a red hot ember that ignites in your being with an abundance of energy and venom that should scorch your very soul.
“Skulls” is a cover of a Misfits song. Andy & I never saw The Misfits or bought a Misfits album and I still don’t really get their goth/punk acclaim. That being said, this is a wonderful song and a wonderful version and, checking on the original, I much prefer the one by Swarm Of Eyes. Blasting punk energy with a great,growling death/hardcore vocal along with a blistering guitar buzz. “I want our skull, I need your skull.” You need to hear this great song.
For a metal band to cover a punk band, I’ve always thought, was truly a great action. And I’ve always had a great respect for Slayer, Sepulchre and Metallica for doing the same (and are my favorite metal bands, as well.) So for these guys to rip into a classic Ramones song makes me love them even more, makes me feel they know that music is not just a technical skill but a feeling, an emotion. So maybe there’s a double drum beat, a hardcore breakdown part with hardcore vocals, a squealy pinched guitar note here and there. There’s still the power and purity of punk in this version and that’s why this version is so great.
Swarm Of Eyes describe themselves as “dark, angry soundscapes that travel from epic spires of doom metal to the desolate lowlands of power thrash.” Which is probably more succinct than my take which is thrash metal with death vocals that touches on traditional progressive metal and black metal, as well.
But I think, what’s more important, is how I’d also describe them as one of the most potent metal bands we’ve run into in our five or six years. (And we’re sorry, but Andy was drunk at the time, we will pay for all damages from the accident.) And our admiration is only increased with this great release.
Headbangin’ rhythms, ominous threatening vocals, virtuoso but restrained, ripping guitars, plus awesome songs all add up to one fierce, ferocious, fiery EP.
Swarm Of Eyes have come to lay down a major, metal barrage on your eardrums, have come to the battlefield with true weapons of mass destruction, leaving you in the quake of your total annihilation, only wanting for more.
And with this EP they leave, fully victorious.
(Slimedog)
