SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: EGO LIKENESS – WHEN THE WOLVES RETURN

Ego Likeness
When the Wolves Return
Metropolis Records

Wolf this album down!!

American darkwave /industrial rock band Ego Likeness returns with its fifth studio album featuring 12 tracks. It’s always exciting to see Steven Archer and Donna Lynch continue their commitment and dedication in turning out tracks of this niche genre since 1999. The songs on this album reflect menacing guitar-oriented, dark-wave compositions that fill your consciousness with shadowy, intimate delicacies.

The dark, gothic soundscape begins harmlessly enough with “Leave a Light on, Thomas,” as heavy power chords consume Lynch’s vocals that drip with haunting mystery. The instrumentals enhance the track as she hypnotically echoes, “leave a light on…” “Darkness” is a slow, sombre song that remains quiet and inhibited, as it builds up into a repetitive, melodic sequence. The intelligent instrumental arrangements enthrall you with songs like “En Rouge,” “Oracle,” and “I Let You.” As one continues through the album, “New Legion” and “Persona Non Grata ” are carried by Archer’s heavy, low rock-style keyboarding. The industrial range and tone of the album never wavers as Ego Likeness treats us to “Mercy” (the vocal rhythm parallels Madonna’s “Vogue”), while “Someday” builds in development and scope, with instrumental layerings smattered about. “Treacherous Thing” is attention worthy with its sonic textures and melodic structure, yet it sounds a lot like “Leave a Light on, Thomas.” We then come across a shift in Lynch’s vocal tone and mood as we are treated to “Crossed,” which establishes a slower pace. The album takes its final bow with the title track, where listeners are treated to a wonderful, obsidian piano opening as Lynch peppers the dulcet piano lines with eerie melodic lyrics while the synths create a titillating, foreboding sensuality that envelopes your mortal essence.

With the tide-like ebb and flow of the album, you can taste Ego Likeness’ magical mystery tour as they lead you to look at life as a glass half full with torment, sorrow and sadness. It’s hard to find any major detractions from this offering, as Archer and Lynch are more than up for the task while firing on all cylinders. Add this dark, haunting, goth-industrial atmospheric album to your collection. You won’t be disappointed as Ego Likeness’ melancholic emotions within their music narrative continues to keep your attention, even after 16 years.

-Chris X

egolikeness.com