In their latest standout release, Mend, Eidola again excels at balancing light and dark elements, crafting one of the most varied and conceptually rich works of their careers.
Since Eidola formed in 2012, their debut album, The Great Glass Elephant, would show a band that was not only capable of breaking the sound barrier of their sonic landscape but continuously unveiling a journey that is an ongoing evolution of sound and themes. A vast concept of philosophy, psychology, and existentialism hidden beneath the surface of light-hearted yet contentious musical energies, Eidola has never been a band to back down from a challenge instrumentally to create the musical world that surrounds such dense themes. While the band has undergone their share of hardships, Eidola stands tall and ready to take on the world with their new release, Mend. The luminescent counterpart to Eviscerate, Mend takes listeners through a heart-wrenching experience of beauty, grace, forgiveness, and love after crawling from the depths of loss, grief, and despair.
From the first few moments of Mend, Eidola's presence already feels like they are a bit lighter in the feet since the last release. However weighty and emotional its lyrical presence is, something Eidola has always been good at is balancing the worlds in which these contrasting elements can co-exist. From "Brahman: The Garden of Eden" to "Empire of Light," Eidola starts its tale of redemption with luminary strength against the currents of the harsh realities that would crush many, and with its lilting and uplifting soundscapes, gives one a reason to push forward through the rest of the album, introducing this cool musical concept of healing in a rather bright, fun, and inventive way through their inventive use of dualities between these light and dark elements.
"My Father's House," "Kaleidoscope," "A Pearl in the Dead Sea," and "Blood in the Water" continue this radiant journey, showcasing a person who has navigated the challenges of life, often experiencing sadness, struggle, and loss along the way. Embracing this battle-worn spirit has led them to a state of transcendence within "Mend," where its unique elements intertwine with melodic and raw vocal passages. This is all complemented by diverse guitar riffs and resonant percussion that create a rich, multi-faceted sound, one that continues to evolve throughout the record.
"What It Means to be Alone," "Rennaissance," and "Restore Me" extend the life of Eidola's emotional and melodic range by showing how layered and beautifully nuanced their sound can be when much simpler arrangments are put at the forefront of their evocative lyricism.
The final moments of “The Faustian Spirit,” “Godhead: The Final Temple,” and “Revelation” conclude this exploration of metaphysical spaces and luminous soundscapes, depicting a journey through deep mental anguish, ultimately leading to a place of oneness and belonging within oneself on the other side of the experience.
Mend is a successful record that showcases a band with a strong technical mastery of their craft, knowing precisely when and how to push musical elements in each experience, creating a sound that is both lustrous and filled with the unique, antagonistic vigor characteristic of their post-hardcore style. For all the beautiful musical adornments that enhance Mend, its lyrical context requires few listens to fully appreciate the concept, elegance, passion, and tender wordplay.
Mend presents a cinematically rich narrative about a person transformed by their scars and experiences, exploring themes of isolation and mental degradation, ultimately conveying that even during our darkest times, there is always a glimmer of light that can inspire us to keep going.
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