Hailing from Italy, Encelado—a duo formed by lifelong friends Simone (vocals) and Damien (guitars, bass, synth, backing vocals)—have unleashed their debut EP, Pillars Of Creation, via Regenerate Records on April 29, 2025. Drawing inspiration from the Hubble Telescope’s 1995 photograph of the Eagle Nebula’s “elephant trunks,” this four-track release explores themes of space exploration, artificial intelligence, human consciousness, and death. Recorded and mixed at Umbra Studio in Italy, with artwork and logo designed by Damien, Pillars Of Creation marks a bold entry for a band fueled by a shared passion for extreme metal.
The EP kicks off with “Dark Nebulas,” a punishing track where Simone’s guttural roars tear through Damien’s razor-sharp riffs, setting a ferocious tone. “Gravety,” with session drummer Devin, dives into technical, jagged territory, its riffs twisting like a collapsing star. “Fragments Of Fear” is pure brutality, a whirlwind of pummeling drums and visceral growls that demands movement, while the title track “Pillars Of Creation” closes with a haunting mix of melody and aggression, hinting at the duo’s untapped potential. To me, this EP sounds like what a death metal soundtrack to a cosmic journey through wormholes might be—chaotic, otherworldly, and disorienting in the best way possible.
At 14 minutes, Pillars Of Creation is a concise blast of death metal that blends raw aggression with a technical edge. The EP’s tight focus and thematic depth make it a gripping listen, leaving you eager for more. Simone and Damien’s influences—ranging from classic death metal to more modern, tech-leaning sounds—shine through, creating a sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Pillars Of Creation is a promising debut that establishes Encelado as a band to watch in the death metal underground. It’s a short but intense ride that balances cosmic wonder with unrelenting heaviness. Stream it on YouTube or pick it up from their Big Cartel store—this is a journey worth taking.
Rating: 7.5/10
Key Tracks: “Fragments of Fear” and “Pillars Of Creation“
For Fans Of: Aborted, Dying Fetus, Suffocation
Stream It: youtu.be/E9YTSuutGds
Follow: @enceladoband