SINGLE REVIEW: Eonian - The Emperor's Hounds
Eonian is the epic symphonic, melodic death metal solo project of Jaume Antuñano, Spanish/American composer and guitarist. Debuted by the “The Nomad” EP released in 2021 born from the boredom and creative burst of the pandemic in early 2020.
Then proceeded with the Iconic cover of ABBA’s Lay All Your Love On Me with collaboration with Christopher Amott (ex Arch Enemy guitarist).
And now let’s get down to business…
The Emperor’s Hounds takes it to a whole other level deeper, darker, faster but at it’s core Power Metal and is a highly visual piece of music that definitely paints a battle.
The opening hits you all at once, with a cascade of intricate solos and a rainfall of synth. The Drums create the thunder and the vocals are a battlecry.
The heightened symphony is the foundation of the battleground whereas the galloping guitars are the horses and men throwing themselves headfirst to sacrifice. The addition of Oliver Palotai (Kamelot) and Grant Truesdell (Unleash the Archers) lending their talents make for an unrelenting force.
The overall feel is very empowering, but there’s also heavy grief that emanates from the track. As I interpret it, the Emperor’s Hounds aren’t merely dogs but they are generals in high command, close companions that are at loss plunged into hellscape. The song is about their brute strength to fight to their very end, their bravery and ultimately, about their respect and renown in their living lives.
Even in death, The Hounds are to be feared and respected.
The 2:25 mark sends chills down your spine at the impressiveness and grace of the dueling solos and even the synth cutting through, even more so that impresses me is the clear vocals almost operatic but is strong and grounding to be a warlord's speech.
I love that the chorus comes back. The pinnacle of the song, as chorus, orchestra, vocal choir and leading scream vocals all join forces to their attack, however, I feel that the cleaner vocals should be pushed further into the mix to create true peaks and really hammer down on the meaning.
Overall, it is a very solid piece of work, piece of music and concept. It’s all round impressive from composition, technicality and storytelling. The story telling, I must highlight, for me is the most striking part of this piece. A very intense, and brilliant song indeed.
