Black Lesion – EP

EP – The Human Essence

Release – 13th September 24

Review by Linda McDermott

Black Lesion first came to my attention with their single ‘Delusion’ taken from this, their second EP, due for release on the 13th of September. With five tracks, the guys say of ‘The Human Essence’ that “it captures the journey of disillusionment and conflict, illustrating how resilience and authenticity characterises the essence of being human.” It is full of heavy beats and grungy tracks that emphasise the topics on the songs perfectly.

Band Members:

Andreas Koutoupas – Lead vocals and bass

Andrew Murray – Guitar & backing vocals

Craig Whitelaw – Drums & backing vocals

Hornet’s Nest – The opening track starts with a heavy intro with a great lead up to the vocals which are slightly mellower than the music and give a haunting account of the lyrics which the bands say “metaphorically illustrates the destructive tendencies in a relationship, creating an environment that becomes unbearable. Just as disturbing a hornet’s nest provokes a swarm of aggressive attacks, the song reflects how the subject’s volatile and temperamental behaviour can escalate. Due to the negative behaviours and having a mind that overthinks, these thoughts have grown and festered like a nest. Leading to an ultimate separation of the relationship.”

Delusion – was their first single from the EP and a song that perfectly shows off what this band are about. I just love the deep tones in the vocals sung by Andreas and the heavy beat behind them. The words are deep and meaningful as the band explains. “Society perfects the biggest lie. We are led to believe our education holds significance, but in reality, it’s just a way to keep us busy while our parents’ work. Receiving a diploma or degree that is meaningless. True winners see through this lie and reject it. The real losers are the ‘’good’’ kids who buy into academia, ending up in debt and low-wage jobs. Disengaged students are scorned and medicated, forced into society’s futile expectations. In death, this delusion persists for future generations.”

Lost It All –This song, with a heavy grungy beat, serves as a poignant reminder of Andreas’s lineage as a descendant of victims of systematic extermination. It powerfully narrates the immense loss and atrocities endured, using vivid imagery of the sun to symbolise fleeting moments of peace and remembrance. This light contrasts with the darkness of history, highlighting the ongoing struggle for recognition of these tragic events by the international community, including the UK. The intense sound mirrors the deep unresolved pain carried through generations, making it a call for acknowledgment and justice.

Pity – This song is their latest single and again has a rhythm that compliments its lyrical content. It is a credit to this three-piece band from Edinburgh that they can convey a feeling of a variety of sometimes, unspoken topics through their heavy rock music. This song explores the physical and emotional challenges associated with chronic illness, emphasising themes of confusion, despair, and the burden of pity from others. Despite this, an undercurrent of hopefulness emerges, advocating for resilience and healing. The lyrics acknowledge past suffering while expressing a desire to overcome it, making the song a tribute to those who fought valiantly against their conditions, even if they are no longer with us.

Engulf – The last song on this great EP and one that continues in the same vein as the other four songs with its insight into the darker side of life. The guys say of the lyrics, “the word “engulf” aptly describes the overwhelming and consuming nature of dealing with sociopathic behaviour. The song delves into the emotional weight, loss of self, and intense conflict inherent in interactions with individuals devoid of empathy. Uncovering the deceptive behaviour and searching for authenticity.”

These five grungy, heavy metal tracks delve into the depths of human behaviour and emotion, blending powerful music with thought-provoking lyrics. Each song explores themes of pain and introspection, offering a raw and emotional listening experience. The heavy riffs and dark undertones of the music mirror the emotions that are conveyed in the lyrics, creating a haunting atmosphere that surrounds the subject. The vocals, add a melodic rhythm and tone that enhances the depth of the songs. Together, these tracks create a cohesive journey through the complexities of hurt, growth, and self-discovery, highlighting both the bands musical and lyrical qualities.

Check out Black Lesions social pages for upcoming gigs.

Socials: Facebook: www.Facebook.com/BlackLesion Instagram: www.Instagram.com/BlackLesionBand Twitter: www.Twitter.com/BlackLesion Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZMwscMkQeVbpozsLYXJR9A Web page: www.Blacklesion.com