Hailing from Cambridge, England, Far From Refuge released their self-titled debut EP in 2019 and following the release of several standalone singles, the quartet will release their next EP – False Flag – in July of this year. Ghost of Eros is the first single from the upcoming five track offering.
Ghost of Eros -which will be the second track on False Flag - accelerates to full velocity from the opening notes and does not relent for the entirety of its rapid-fire three minutes. Examining heartache, regret and the haunting nature of past relationships, the verses – in places reminiscent of latter day In Flames or Architects - are delivered by growling vocalist Suran Jayathilaka, who expresses raw, visceral emotions suggesting a deep-seated pain and the struggle to move on from a significant emotional wound. Tell me what you want to say / Bury me in my heartache / Let me just pick up the pieces / Rejection to liberate / We were gears of this machine / Neo-toxic symphony / Shadow of your discontent / Followed us as we made our way home.
The contrast between the growling vocals and the clean vocals of guitarist Joél Sutherland during the choruses symbolises the internal conflict between anger and clarity. The clean melodic vocals reflect a more introspective and melancholic tone to the lyrics, revealing a sense of betrayal and reminders of the past in new relationships which only serve to reopen old wounds. I think I found someone like you / But I hate them dearly / Of all the things that we've been through / You were my worst memory. Drummer Jules Watts and bassist Matt Poskitt demonstrate their extremely accomplished capabilities as a rhythm duo, as music and lyrics combine to convey the driving message of the lyrics. At the point of no return / To a world now lost / Nevermore will I be bound / With agony you caused / Wandering in reverie / Inside a pale reflection / Everything that could have been / Tethered to our own creation.
While the band’s roots lie in progressive metal, there are significant technical metalcore, melodeath and hard rock influences on show: Sutherland’s stylish guitar solo – for example - is certainly more in line with melodic rock than the rampant attack of melodeath. Production values on Ghost of Eros are of a high quality and there is undoubtedly a radiant sheen to the overall sound. Some fans of the aforementioned sub-genres may find Far From Refuge a little too polished for their tastes but fans who are willing to engage with the more melodic aspects of the track will find a vibrant, infectious and absorbing track awaiting them. It will be interesting to see how it fits within the constructs of the upcoming EP.
Ghost of Eros is out now. Watch the video below.
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