Review: “Catharsis” by Ophelia’s Eye

Social grievances, personal and global issues have always been the themes behind the lyrics of Swiss Melodic Death Metal purveyors Ophelia’s Eye but can that sustain them through a third record in “Catharsis“? Recorded at SOS Basement Studios with Sebastian Schiess (Shadowpath, Anger In Defeat, Hunted Like Thieves) and mastered by Swiss producer and sound engineer from Zürich Dan Suter (Karama To Burn, Maer, Tar Pond) at Echochamber Studio, the record, on the surface at least, represents a dark new dawn for the quintet. Original guitarist Corinne Ryter and bassist Sandro Suter are surrounded by new recruits in vocalist Jan Brasser, lead guitarist Noah Peier and drummer Noe Beivi so will their energy remain the same?

The answer to the question is a resounding yes as Ophelia’s Eye continue to traverse the path between 2003 American Metalcore and the Gothenburg sound of Melodic Death Metal that inspired it. Hard hitting riffs and harsh uncleans give the first verse of “Drowning in a Cloud” a real punch before Brasser breaks into a clean sung chorus. The band skilfully avoid slowing the tempo for that and then follow up with a breakdown passage that will turn the heads of Metallic Hardcore lovers. During the second wave of cleans a little accenting creeps in but as with most records of this stature, it simply adds to the charm of it rather than detracting. Bombastic riffage puts bounce in the mosh pit as “Burn a Wish” plays out, the stark contrast between the energy of the soundscape and the introspective lyrics about dark thoughts of suicide working very well. A touch of synth and some jackhammer footwork from the kit elevates the chugging guitars before a timely “Bleigh!” moment in the final seconds cracks a smile.

Opening the arteries with a slick earworm riff “High Tide” has that hummable quality as it gets into your head and doesn’t leave before an 80’s Gothic tinged chorus adds something different vocally. An impressive move vocally, it’s another that has plenty of charm about it, taking the nostalgic essence of the bands influences and updating them for a modern age with a satisfying crunch. The same can be said of title track “Catharsis” which follows with another bold and brave chorus. What works about this one is that the second half of it is screamed, the emotive quality of Brasser’s performance hitting at a deeper, more personal context behind the lyrical narrative. Deep grooves in the final third make it one that you want to continue on past the four minute duration, the expansive progressions taking on neck snapping capabilities. A bass solo introduces “Stay close, we’re dying” in style, the mid tempo riffage bringing a stomp to proceedings as Basser roars through the first verse. By this point the formula of the bands sound for this record is clear and while it works in EP form it may have been a little predictable on a full length. Some hitherto unheard unhinged ranting vocally is a nice touch and their are moments that might find you mourning for Howard Jones to return to Killswitch Engage [7.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Drowning in a Cloud
2. Burn a Wish
3. High Tide
4. Catharsis
5. Stay close, we’re dying

“Catharsis” by Ophelia’s Eye is out 20th December 2024 and is available over at bandcamp.