EP Review: Pythia – V Pt1: Unhallowed (Golden Axe)

London’s symphonic metal warriors, Pythia, return with a new EP titled V Pt1: Unhallowed, set for release on the 23rd of May via Golden Axe.

Six long years have ed since one of the UK’s finest exponents of symphonic metal, Pythia, unveiled their last chapter, The Solace Of The Earth. The wait has come to an end with V Pt. 1: Unhallowed. The first part in Pythia’s 5th tale, releasing as an EP and offering promise of further chapters to come.

Forming in London, in 2007, Pythia has long been held in high regard in the local scene but also far beyond. Their debut album, 2009’s Beneath The Veiled Embrace kickstarted the journey with consistent releases through the years and plenty of exceptional live performances on the way. I last saw them less than a year ago at Imperial Age Fest in London. Any band managing to stay relevant in a tough scene for almost 20 years must be doing something right and their ability to tell stories through meticulously crafted symphonic metal has won over the hearts of many fans.

V Pt1: Unhallowed is mixed by Ollie Roberts at Kettle Brew Studios and mastered by the world renowned Jacob Hansen (Napalm Death) that captures the spirit of this special release.

The time has come to return to the realms of fantasy, to walk the road through forests of thorn, below towering mountain peaks and down forgotten tunnels deep within the earth. It’s time to stand beneath a different sky and see in vibrant colour, feel with grand intensity and experience the sense of wonder that has faded from our grey and mundane world; to face dangers untold, to stare into the unblinking gaze of death and live as never before. Pythia have broken their silence and torn the shadows asunder, opening wide the gates to dream, adventure and magic once more, so summon your courage, reach for your sword and follow them now, into the Unhallowed lands…

Pythia is Sophie Dorman on vocals, Ross White and Jamie Hunt on guitars, Marc Dyos on drums, Ash Porter on bass and Marcus Matusiak on keys.

V Pt 1: Unhallowed comes with 5 tracks on it, getting underway with the title track, Unhallowed. After a dollop of symphonic atmosphere building and some choir vocals, the song explodes into life with a flurry of fiery guitars, searing solos and intense drum blasts. It’s a heavy start, though lightens as the clean vocals in and drive the very energetic verses forwards. It’s a catchy song with great vocals, a very forward driving energy and enthusiasm. They keyboards drop catchy melodies at points to add depth while the guitars add their own melody or solos. All of this over a bed of some pretty heavy riffs, bass and drums making for a powerful opening statement.

Path of Decay drops a touch of melancholy with it’s opening tone before transforming into the catchiest of hooks. It’s more expansive a track than the opener, moving through different phases and dropping some interesting ideas with the guitars. A more traditional chorus delivers moments of emphasis and exhilaration. There are some neat switch ups in the track which still delivers some meaty riffing, and powerful drums at it’s foundation. The guitars really deliver some great work here and I very much like the richer tone but as good as the rest is, nothing shines quite as bright as the exceptionally catchy and emphatic chorus.

A Curse In The Blood keeps the story moving on with a strong vocal performance and some chunky, bass heavy riffs. The slower energy adds a little darkness and danger to the song as well as plenty of headbanging opportunity. It probably lacks a little bit of the overall catchiness of the opening two numbers though the chorus is good and the tapping drums are very cool. There is also a very neat solo and a little slow down that just gives a little bit more spice to the closing chorus.

Our penultimate track on V Pt 1: Unhallowed and sees Pythia unleash a fast and energetic beast with thunderous riffs and drums, blazing guitars and powerful vocals. A track that raises your adrenaline levels and will make you want to move though even with it being a faster and heavier track, there is still a lot of depth and clever song writing. The flow of vocals works a treat, the keys enhance the song, and vocals, adding depth at the right time. In the same way, the drums and guitars seem to take control at different points meaning that while the song is quite singularly paced throughout, it doesn’t feel it. It feels like it is writhing and evolving as you listen. Add a wicked solo in and you have another top track.

V Pt 1: Unhallowed closes out with Bright Flame and brings lashings of chunky riffs and bone shuddering bass with it. It’s a creative and expansive number with a very cool drum intro then ed by a glorious combination of gorgeous vocals and darker instrumentation. The verses keep a slower pace with twinkling keys and harder riffs. Pace and emphasis starts to grow as the song progresses though and I find myself hoping for, and feeling like something big is going to happen.

It comes, kind of, with a solid chorus leading into a decent guitar solo. Wasn’t quite what I hoped for – it felt like we were building up to a huge chorus or change up or something. Still, it’s cool and the solo is solid and as we approach the end of the track, the chorus does raise it’s intensity and emphasis enough that I got the pay off I wanted, just later than I thought it was coming.

I enjoyed the journey across V Pt 1: Unhallowed and you definitely leave the release feeling satisfied. Pythia have delivered a powerful and punchy statement here with a collection of songs that really showcase what they are about. Balancing intensity with melody, darkness and light while maintaining the story element must be difficult but it’s clearly something they excel at. I’m a big fan of the heavy foundation to each track – there are some really cool riffs, exceptional drums and bass that tick all the right boxes. Then, the lead guitarwork, keys and vocals add depth and layers and a sprinkling of magic on the top all combining to create something that is very listenable, catchy but still packs a punch. This is the first part, so I can very much look forward to the next part.

Until then, you can preorder Pythia’s V Pt 1: Unhallowed from Bandcamp, here.

Tracklist:

1 – Unhallowed
2 – Path Of Decay
3 – A Curse In The Blood
4 – Muses Of The Night
5 – Bright Flame

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