Marienkind- Precursor

Precursor, the 5-song debut EP from Pennsylvania duo Marienkind, finds the band blending prominent moody electronics, heavier guitar elements, and strong and well-layered male vocals into an atmospheric concoction rife with spatial ambience, emotion, and energy. While the band apparently bill themselves as a metal outfit with industrial/electronic leanings, this 21-minute sampling wanders largely outside the metal spectrum save for some industrial distorted rhythm guitar riffing. Heavy on the electronic side, what's here really falls more into the darkwave/industrial/goth rock spectrum.

The disc opens with the cascading synth arpeggios, shuffling electronic percussion, and distorted guitar foundation of "The Calm of December". "In Splendor and in Flame" is one of the disc's standouts, an excellent ethereal dance industrial number with NIN-esque piano accents following its droning chant-like intro. The following "The Warmth of the Sun", on the other hand, blends a mysterious eastern string motif with a seemingly Spanish/Latin guitar rhythm and nice piano work. "Drone" is another standout, a moody slice of electro-rock anchored by wobbly synth bass and a dance industrial chorus, while the album's closer, "Watch", is an excellent ethereal ballad.

As a whole, Marienkind's Precursor is a strong EP showcasing rather good songwriting and performances. Largely electronic, it's probably more likely to appeal to the goth, industrial, and darkwave crowds than those into straightforward metal. Well produced, musically captivating, and apparently currently available for download from the band's website, Precursor is certainly worth checking out.