Metalcatto
Are you an expert on experimental Hardcore? I thought so. Then you can imagine the level of confusion I was in when Erdve‘s Epigrama hit me with such an enigmatic artwork and overall musical proposal. This is probably the first or second album we’ve gotten fully in Lithuanian. They could be singing about their breakfast, and we’d be like “this is the sickest thing ever.” Anyway, there’s nothing cute about this release, so let’s try to navigate it without much emotional damage, shall we?
Epigrama has everything I hate in an album, but in such an interesting and ominous way that I can’t help being fascinated by the directions the band takes—which are mesmerizing. Erdve shows that ambiguity and confusion are its strengths. Sure, the whole ordeal sounds horrifying, but imagine if Gaerea was a Djent or Hardcore band. That’s kind of what we have here. Despite the relative simplicity of the song structures, they always manage to find places to go that seem unconventional. “Trukmė” is a great example. It twists and turns without warning, yet never feels random.
Of course, you have guitar tones heavier than the sun and vocals that express as much pain as when you miss the last copy of that album you’ve been looking for forever. Yet it’s the subtle electronic and atmospheric touches that set Epigrama apart. They’re used in a way that adds emotional depth to the music. There’s more than just rage here. There’s also resistance, rebellion, and in some moments even acceptance. Not your average Core stuff, right? The production balances loudness with clarity, giving each layer room to breathe without losing intensity.
I would have maybe liked more playing with the formula or even—I can’t believe I’m saying this—more electronic elements going on. The band excels in those moments. Right now, with a few notable exceptions, the tracks have a clear strategy for each song, which means they can all blend together at times. However, Epigrama is an album that needs time to digest, so it could also just be me not giving it enough spins. You can always give albums another spin. And if you keep finding new things, then you know the album is good.
Erdve has a new fan. I might be resisting jumping right into it because it’s odd to say “it’s time for Post-Hardcore.” But this reviewer has to get on with the times. Epigrama is as interesting as it is oppressive, and I’ll probably be back to it before the year ends to be sure I didn’t make a terrible mistake. So help me out. What do you think? Am I onto something, or has the Lithuanian breakfast propaganda finally broken me?
Label: Season of Mist
Release date: May 29th, 2026
Website: https://erdvesom.bandcamp.com/album/
Country: Lithuania
Score: 3.7/5.0
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