ESO Charis

Eso Charis is the brainchild of Living Sacrifice members Arthur Green and Matthew Putnum. The disc isn't your standard fare for the typical death metal genre. Sure, the vocals of Cory Putnum stack up against Extol or Obituary, especially on the cuts "The Narrowing List" and "Spirit of Revival," where Putnum offers up the customary scowl. Where the band differs a bit is on songs like "Once Upon a Fashionable," with an intro sung in a "real" voice, or on the cut "Processed Bodies" that features more melodic instrumentation. What's really surprising, though, is the disc's closer, added as a secret instrumental track. The tune is slow, melodic, and nonviolent, putting a unique twist on an interesting project. ~ Steven Douglas Losey, All Music Guide