Gallows Tree: Each Eleventh Hour (2011)

Rating:  9/10

 Back in 2006, when Gallow's Tree released their first demo, half of their band members were at the age of 15. The release was really impressive but the two songs featured on that demo were completely different from each other and the band was lacking identity. So before making another step and since they are aiming higher than just releasing a few demos, the band should make a few decisions about its future.

5 years have passed and Gallow's Tree are back with a few line-up changes and a new demo under the title Each Eleventh Hour. From the first seconds of "Somewhere in Between" you can sense the change in their sound to more Progressive forms. The song enters with heavy riffs and eastern melodies showing a great improvement on the guitar work. The bass (Dinos Athanaselos) is crystal clear, technical enough and it gives all the needed boost needed for the final outcome while the new drummer (Sotiris Sfikas) is simple offering a presentation of skill and essence. The instrumental work on the songs is simply amazing and it becomes top-class when the new singer Cons Marg makes his appearance. His singing style is dynamic and emotional, bringing in mind singers like Daniel Gildenlöw. His vocal variety from clean to raspy and his growls in Somewhere in Between and Exposed are excellent as well. I really doubt that the band could find a better singer than Cons.

All three songs of the album are outstanding with many sound and tempo changes (Exposed is a good example with a style that changes from thrashy to funky), while the whole band shines during the breath-taking choruses. The songwriting is mainly influenced from bands like Pain of Salvation, Fates Warning and Conception but in such a way that the band creates a unique identity and sound. The E.P. was recorded and produced in the Lunatech Studios (where Rotting Christ recorded Aealo) and the final result is the best you can expect from a self-released recording.

Gallow's Tree are back with the best E.P. of the year so far. Everything in Each Eleventh Hour screams that this band is ready for greater things and everything is carefully done in order to serve the purpose. They have the ability, they have the will, they only need luck and support.

(Originally written by emperorsakis for www.rateyourmusic.com)



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