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By JEFF MAKI
In ancient Greek civilization, Ektomorf meant an individual was tall and slender, but edgy and aggressive. From the name and artwork of their new album, Outcast, one may have the preconceived notion that these Hungarians are a death or black metal band. Not the case at all. Ektomorf's in-your-face groove is straightforward hardcore-metal a la Roots-era Sepultura or Soulfly. Produced by Tue Madsen (The Haunted, Mnemic), the guitars' low end provides some of the heaviest, ripping material heard in some time. The tribal drumming of Jozsef Szakacs will thump your speakers into submission. And is that a sitar I hear on several songs? Possibly. Ektomorf also retains elements of their culture within their sound not unlike Soulfly. Listen to “Who Can I Trust (Prayer)” and “Chamunda” for examples of this Hungarian folklore.
Songs like “Outcast,” “I'm Against,” “Fuel My Fire” and “Hell Is Here” are primitive outbursts of anger, hardcore attitude and aggression. This is shit that'll have the hardcore kids and metal kids elbow to elbow in the pit. Notice how I didn't mention “metalcore"? Ektomorf's style, while frighteningly similar to the bands mentioned above, also has a strong hardcore influence similar to what you hear on Born From Pain's recent release, War, and contains no obvious metalcore traits. Vocalist/guitarist Zoltan Farkas even sounds like Max Cavalera when barking his short, to-the-point lyrics. The lyrical vibe seems to be one of rebellion and the whole “you can't hold us back” hardcore mentality.
Outcast is rock-solid hardcore-metal that draws influence from mid to late '90s metal acts. Ektomorf will appeal to fans of Sepultura, Soulfly, Machine Head, Fear Factory and Born From Pain, to name a few.
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