Norway’s MORAX present their 21 minute EP “Rites and Curses” though High Roller records!

Taking direct inspiration from MERCIFUL FATE and IN SOLITUDE, MORAX offer up their debut EP, a short release of occult laden riffage handled by the sole member Remi Andre Nygård.

EP opener “Face the Reaper” sets the tone right away with a classic metal intro and speedy riffing. Straight away the vocals are likely going to be the polarising factor, with Nygård sounding like he almost holding back, with a half felt delivery. The song itself is a straight up metal track with rock elements and can hear the aforementioned influence particular in the riffing (no operatic vocals here). 2nd track “Be My Guillotine” carries on in similar fashion albeit more mid paced. This track plods along and doesn’t offer much excitement for myself, but fans more akin to this style of doom NWOTHM are likely to enjoy it more. The track gets a little more interesting towards the middle with some melodic guitar work but ultimately feels a little flat. The guitar work is slow and deliberate and shines through here.

“Yours Now” is a welcome improvement with some solid riffing, accompanied with bright hooks although the lacklustre vocals remain present. The track tends to feel unnecessary long towards the end and loses momentum early on. “Adoration” is a folky medieval interlude which sounds totally out of place but not to say I didn’t enjoy it, the guitar work on this release is the highlight and this was a cool diversion. EP closer “The Curse” ramps things up, clocking in at 7 minutes, this rager speeds along at a breakneck pace, but around the halfway mark Nygård takes his foot of the pedal for a moment to give us the best part of the EP, a wicked ride of escalating riffs into a storming solo section. This track was cool as hell and I just wish the rest of the EP was of this calibre.

“RITES AND CURSES” boasts a crystal clear productions allowing all instruments to be heard clearly, the guitar tone in particular being masterfully recording and mixed, sounding huge without relying on excessive overdrive and is refreshing dialled back.

Conclusion

A mixed bag of standout moments and filler material that didn’t grasp my attention throughout its short runtime. The guitar work is stellar, but the vocals and composition leave a lot to be desired for me.

THENWOTHM Score: 6/10

Label links:

https://www.hrrecords.de
https://www.facebook.com/hrrecords
https://www.instagram.com/highrollerrecordsofficial