Ensoph is a strange collective of musicians from Italy. This is the continuation of a band called Endavyminion (never heard of it), a progressive band. Well, this has nothing to do with progressive rock/metal. This cd is a strange combination of black metal, gothic, strange instruments, ethnic influences and modern music. And if you’re thinking - so many influences, that is too much - you are right.

It sounds like Moonspell on Acid or Cradle of Filth shooting Some Mailmen in Serbia. The first song has a cool melody in it, but it is hard to keep your attention on this record. Like in “In The Flesh” where the lead singer is desperately shouting out some words, which is ok but not with the music underneath it.

And that is the problem of Ensoph. To create atmosphere, melancholy and desperate feelings is ok. To do it all in one is not.

However, I have to say they have some original elements in their music, some instruments are pretty ok, but the again, their costumes are horrible. The lead singer looks like Brad Pitt in 12 Monkeys who is raped by Mika from Impaled Nazarene. I have no doubt that there is a market for this music and some gothic/black metal fans from bands like Cradle of Filth, Moonspell and maybe Manic Movement will dig this cd. For some good balanced music, seek further.