SILVA

"Silva" is an EP release by Swedish metal act Memfis. The EP was independently released in April 2013. It bridges the gap between Memfis' second- and third full-length studio albums "Vertigo" (2011) and "Imperium" (2018). Memfis opted for the independent release form again (like they also did on "Vertigo"), which is probably due to the bad experience they had with their first label, which resulted in a longer legal battle.

Stylistically the material on the 5 tracks, 18:08 minutes long EP is a type of progressve post-hardcore/metalcore with the occasional more heavy and brutal sludge/death metal oriented moment put in. The aggessive hardcore shouted vocals of the preceding albums have become a bit more melodic yet still raw shouting, and as described above with the occasional excursion into rawer and more brutal territories (although they are few and far between). The music is atmospheric and beautiful but also raw and hard hitting when that is called for.

The EP features a well sounding production job, and since both the musicianship and the songwriting are also on high levels "Silva" is a good quality release and a worthwhile release if you enjoyed the two previous releases by Memfis. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.

(Originally posted on Metal Music Archives).