Ethos, the Atlanta-based progressive rock quintet, has delivered their latest album, “An Eye for an Eye,” released on June 25th, 2024. This release marks a significant milestone for the band, showcasing their evolution in sound and style while retaining the essence of what has established them over a decade ago. Comprising Austen Earp on vocals and keyboards, Kuyper Cummings and Matt Palopoli on guitars, Nick Riggs on bass, and Tribb Robison on drums, Ethos recorded and mixed the album at Darkroot Studios, with mastering done by the renowned Jens Bogren at the Fascination Street Studios.

“An Eye for an Eye” presents itself as a journey through the band’s musical and personal growth. According to bassist Nick Riggs, the album serves as a bridge between the band’s past and future, featuring writing and composing contributions from all five members for the first time. This collaborative effort has led to a more cohesive yet dynamic sound, leaning towards heavier and faster territories compared to their previous releases. Riggs emphasizes that this album represents a significant shift in their overall sound and writing style, providing a glimpse into the future direction of Ethos while reinforcing their established identity.

Listeners familiar with Ethos‘s earlier work will notice a maturation in both the music and the thematic content. Guitarist Kuyper Cummings notes that the record took several years to write, a period marked by significant life changes for the band members, including becoming parents, moving, and career shifts. This time of growth is deeply embedded in the album, with each song meticulously crafted and refined. If a part didn’t add meaningfully to a song, it was either reworked or discarded, a process that applied to both the music and the lyrics. This approach has resulted in a more polished and mature sound that still retains the band’s signature blend of heavy riffs and intricate piano melodies.

The album’s title, “An Eye for an Eye,” was inspired by a painting by fantasy artist Fian Arroyo. Vocalist and keyboardist Austen Earp explains that the title reflects themes of distrust in power structures and the inevitable reckoning that follows. However, the phrase “An eye for an eye” also suggests a more nuanced perspective on justice and healing, emphasizing the transformative power of creativity in addressing wrongdoings. This thematic complexity is mirrored in the album’s music, which blends rock and metal with classical motifs in a way that feels both natural and innovative.

Track Analysis

1. Begin With the End (4:01)

The opening track, “Begin With the End,” sets the tone for the album with its compelling mix of heavy riffs and melodic intricacies. The song showcases Ethos‘s ability to balance aggression and beauty, with Earp’s vocals delivering a poignant narrative that draws listeners in from the outset. The instrumentation is tight, with Cummings and Palopoli‘s guitars creating a dynamic interplay that propels the song forward.

2. Holy Water (4:09)

“Holy Water” continues the momentum with a more aggressive, larger-than-life feel. The track features soaring vocals and a driving rhythm section, anchored by Riggs‘ solid bass lines and Robison‘s precise drumming. The song’s chorus is particularly memorable, showcasing Ethos‘s knack for crafting hooks that resonate long after the music has stopped.

3. The Archetype Suite: IV. Stars Align (6:41)

The “Archetype Suite” is the centerpiece of the album, a multi-section epic that demonstrates Ethos‘ ambition and creativity. “Stars Align,” the fourth part of the suite, is a standout track that pushes the band’s musical boundaries. Spanning over six minutes, it takes listeners on a journey through complex time signatures, intricate guitar work, and haunting melodies.

4. The Archetype Suite: V. The Caudal Lure (1:37)

“The Caudal Lure” serves as a brief interlude within the suite, offering a moment of reflection and introspection. At just under two minutes, the track is a showcase for Earp’s vocal performance. This piece highlights Ethos‘s ability to create atmospheric and emotive music, even in shorter compositions, but still making it on point.

5. The Archetype Suite: VI. A New Regime (5:03)

The final track, “A New Regime,” concludes the album with a powerful statement. This song encapsulates the album’s themes of change and transformation, both musically and lyrically. The band pulls out all the stops, delivering a performance that is both technically impressive and emotionally resonant. The interplay between the guitars and the rhythm section is particularly striking, along with Earp‘s always soaring vocals painting a rich sonic landscape that leaves a lasting impression.

Conclusion

“An Eye for an Eye” is a compelling and ambitious album that showcases Ethos‘ growth as artists. The band’s ability to blend rock, metal, and classical motifs into a cohesive and dynamic sound is impressive, and their meticulous approach to songwriting and production is evident throughout the album. Fans of progressive rock and metal will find much to appreciate in this release, which serves as both a reflection of Ethos’ past and a preview of their future. With “An Eye for an Eye,” Ethos has solidified their place as a force to be reckoned with in the progressive music scene.

For more about Ethos visit their website. “An Eye for an Eye” is available now from Bandcamp.