releasedate: 06.09.2024

Friday, September 6th, Tenuem is releasing their debut EP ‘Singraven’ after previously releasing the tracks Singraven and Teeth as an introduction to the band. We got to listen to the EP early, and man are we excited for you all to hear it too! If you’ve seen Tenuem play live before, you know what to expect. If not: check out our thoughts on Singraven and make sure to listen to the full EP when it drops. 

Rather listen to a review? Check out our Youtube channel (link below)

Tenuem

Tenuem is a blackened melodic deathcore band from The Netherlands. They started in 2023 but are a force to be reckoned with, consisting of members from various other projects. There is enough experience amongst the 5 guys, which is clearly heard in the previously released tracks by the band. They are influenced by, among others, Shadow of Intent, mixing the melodic synths in the background with crushing vocals and breakdowns. 

Metalcore and deathcore are still on the rise, and it’s cool to see various bands putting their own spin on the genre. Tenuem pairs Deathcore with black metal, and the orchestral parts are at times very present. That means you’re listening to layer upon layer, and investing in a good pair of headphones definitely helps to hear all the intricacies in their music. Believe me, I lost my headphones and tried listening on a very cheap pair. Would not recommend.  But I digress. Let’s dive into Singraven. 

Singraven

The tracks Singraven and Teeth had been released prior to the EP, but are now part of a 5-track EP with the name Singraven. With the 5-track EP, we get 3 brand new tracks to enjoy. Singraven serves as the title track and the emotional backbone of the EP.

The EP starts with the eerie tunes of a crying woman and far-away church bells: the intro to Singraven. After the intro, the song kicks off with blast beats and an orchestra-filled wall of sound. 

Blackened Melodic Deathcore is indeed an apt description of Tenuems sound, although orchestral Deathcore, as Sapphyr claims to be, would be a good description too. Their sound is characterized by its aggressive guitar riffs, intricate drumming patterns, and dynamic tempo changes. The addition of orchestral elements elevates the track, adding layers and that set it apart from typical Deathcore compositions. 

Production-wise, “Singraven” has a polished yet raw sound, leaving enough space for all the instruments to have their moment. However, as said before, make sure to listen to it on some quality headphones.

Distrain

Distrain opens on the same gloomy note but has more interesting riffs and melodies to enjoy. Tenuem understood the assignment; catchy riffs, while being heavy. There’s a good hook in chorus, inviting us to scream along.. However, the hero of this track is the solo at the end. Distrain is the moshpit track of this EP, and if there was any doubt about Tenuem being a deathcore band, that’s all taken care of with Distrain. 

Teeth

Teeth might be the heaviest song on the EP. At least, it starts that way. Blast beats all the way right from the start. The riffs in the chorus and the second part of the song feel like I’m listening to a melodic death metal band, and I guess that’s where Tenuem takes some of their inspiration.

Again, catchy riffs, and unmistakable deathcore with the heavy breakdown at the end. Where the the first part feels like a friendly mosphit, the breakdown makes you want to stomp on someone’s face. The guitarsolo on Teeth is even better than on Distrain (al be it a different style), and this is a track that even though it had been previously released, will still end up on my personal playlist. The vocals follow the main riff so nicely for that chorus part, that I had to listen to it again and again. 

Ephemeral

Ephemeral starts with a sample in the backing track with a very eery message, that continues later in the track. It’s clear Tenuem doesn’t have a happy message. Guitar harmonies, the moment the double bass kicks in that riff is even better. The chorus is very open, and with different vocals could even be melodic death metal of even symphonic metal. However, the vocals, and the low guitars, definitely take it into core land.

We get another guitar solo on this track, somehow reminding me of Opeth. It’s clear that Tenuem takes inspiration from various places, with the verse parts being almost trashy death metal. The addidion of strings and other orchestral elements make it sound even more epic.  

Salem’s Folly

Salem’s Folly is the final track to the EP.  It starts with a low-fi fade-in, but it doesn’t take long for the full song kicks off as a ending for this EP. Again we get catchy guitar riffs for the chorus parts, and the chord progression makes it feel like the final track for sure. The breakdown in the middle is nice, maybe a bit short, but luckily for us that breakdown returns at the end of the song, to get us banging our heads till the end. 

Final Thoughts

Singraven one hell of a debut EP. Remember our review from No Kings Allowed last year? Tenuem is on the same track as these guys I’d say, with similar music and at least a similar tenacity to their music. The only thing where I feel No Kings Allowed might take the upperhand, is the mix. Even with a pair of good headphones, the mix still feels a bit dense and cluttered, as there is so much going on in Tenuems music. That might be better live on stage, though. And I can’t wait to see this energy on stage.

As far as favorite tracks; I think Teeth is definitely my favorite of this EP, because of the melodies. However it’s hard to pick a clear winner here, since Distrain and Salem’s Folly could be my favorites for the same reason. Tenuem should be proud to deliver an EP like this, and they are a great addition to the ever growing Dutch core scene.

Tracklist

1. Singraven
2. Distrain
3. Teeth
4. Ephemeral
5. Salem’s Folley

You can check out Tenuem on their website or in our database.

Rather listen to a review? Check out our Youtube channel!