MESMERIZED

"Mesmerized" is an EP release by Norwegian metal act Extol. The EP was released through Endtime Productions in November 1999. "Mesmerized" bridges the gap between the band´s debut full-length studio album "Burial (1998)" and their sophomore studio album "Undeceived (2000)". There have been a couple of lineup changes since the debut album as guitarist Ole Børud has been replaced by Ole Halvard Sveen and bassist Tor Magne Glidje has been replaced by Eystein Holm.

Featuring 6 tracks and a total playing time of 34:41 minutes, "Mesmerized" os quite a long EP release. "Mesmerized" features three new compositions and three remixes of tracks which were originally featured on "Burial (1998)". The three new tracks continue in the same technical/progressive death/black metal style of the material on "Burial (1998)". High level musical performances from all involved including some powerful snarling vocals and the occassional clean vocal part too (most prominantly featured on "Storms Of Disillusions"). Death (the band) are a major influence, but Extol are much more than a Death clone, and in addition to the technical death metal influences in the music, the tracks also feature elements from both black metal and progressive metal.

The remaining three tracks are as mentioned remixes of tracks originally featured on "Burial (1998)", and honestly they aren´t that interesting, and I much prefer the originals. It´s hard not to feel that the remixes devaluate the otherwise hiqh quality release that "Mesmerized" is. Therefore what could have been a 4 star (80%) rating drops to a 3 - 3.5 star (65%) rating, but the three new compositions are still definitely worth the price of admission.

(Originally posted on Metal Music Archives)