Triptykon - 'Shatter: Eparistera Daimones Accompanied'

A fitting bookend to Tom Warrior’s storybook year.

Tom Warrior has suffered mightily at the hands of unethical records companies, greedy booking agents and estranged former bandmates. It’s good that the metal legend finally gets to live through a year that’s filled with accomplishments and good news rather than drama. First came Triptykon’s breathtaking album Eparistera Daimones, then his must-read autobiography Only Death Is Real.  Warrior is closing out the year with another gift: the five- track EP Shatter, which includes three songs that would fit nicely on his new album and two bonus tracks that fans will love.  

The opening tracks “Shatter” and “I Am the Twilight,” are the centerpieces. “Shatter,” is a moody piece somewhat reminiscent of Celtic Frost’s “Drown In Ashes.” It pairs goth sensibility with Warrior’s trademark riffing with excellent results and maintains Triptykon’s heft. 

“I Am the Twilight,” could be a companion piece to the Triptykon tracks “Goetia,” or “Abyss Within My Soul,”  two songs that display Fischer’s intensely personal songwriting. “Crucifixus,” is an ambient piece released early in the band’s short career on MySpace but  remixed and remastered. It sounds much better here than when it first appeared on the Internet.

The extras are a treat. They include Triptykon’s slowed down but still powerful version of “Circle of The Tyrants,” and a recording of “Dethroned Emperor” with Nocturno Culto on vocals. Both were recorded during this year’s Roadburn Festival, and both showcase Triptykon’s live prowess.

Tom Warrior doesn’t make happy music. Music is his way of expressing and purging personal pain. However,  Warrior must be happier than ever because Shatter is an appropriate closer to one of the best years of his storied career.

Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.