Ekotren
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Ekotren

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"TuneLab music Gives Light The Fire a 8 out of 10"

Overview: Ekotren formed in Cape Coral, Florida in 2000. It took them a long while to gain recognition, releasing EP’s in 2006 and 2007, (’The Tables Have Turned‘ and ‘Destroying the American Dream‘, respectively) before finally getting a record deal with Blind Prophecy Records to put out their first full-length, ‘Light The Fire‘. This melodic metalcore act has already toured with the likes of Saliva, Flyleaf and Nonpoint, amongst others, and looks to be a force to be reckoned with.

The Good: If nothing else, Ekotren has the youthful energy that many bands lack these days. On ‘Light the Fire‘, this quintet blows through 11 tracks of pure adrenaline in less than 40 minutes. There hardly is a chance for the listener to rest, as all you find here are headbanging thrash pieces, fist-pumping anthems and a single offering of balladry (”Needed You More”). Vocalist John Sheldon is the key to Ekotren’s strength. While his screamed vocals are fairly standard, his clean singing voice is emotive, to say the least. With the title track, “Paper Thin”, “Become”, and “Point of View”, Sheldon blends his thick screams and/or lifting clean vocals into the band’s punishing metalcore overdrive. On the aforementioned “Needed You More” and the lead single “Tranquilized”, Sheldon downplays his screams, instead letting his clean vocals carry the song above the blood, sweat and tears of the others. Importantly, he knows when to sing and when to scream. He displays deep emotion on the suicide note “Death Blanket”, which is especially powerful. Lyrically, he come dangerously close to Emo-ism (”So tell me friends when I’m gone; Don’t ever shed a tear; I was never happy here anyway”), but that’s to be expected with this topic. Ekotren walks the line without falling, delivering crushing songs with needle-sharp lyrics. The other songs cover topics ranging from political/religious hypocrisy to a supposedly-mythical beast. The last song on the album, “El Chupacabra”, is a nightmarish run through the forest from the blood-sucking beast. If that doesn’t light a fire under your ass, nothing will.

The Bad: ‘Light the Fire‘ is a short affair, for sure. While this is a genre not known for terribly long songs, many of the songs here feel slightly underdeveloped. “Paper Thin” has the closest semblance to a guitar solo, the inclusion of which would have been a big boost to this album. Also, in many places Sheldon overplays the profanity card, dropping F-bombs just to fill empty syllables. Maybe it’s all just an exercise in anger management, but a little more time in the studio ought to have smoothed the wrinkles out, giving the album more depth.

Bottomline: Ekotren is pumping on all cylinders here. They have the energy of youth and much more strength than you would expect. This is another band that melds melody with aggression without ever coming off as “soft”. This is a punishing album from a band with a chance to make big waves.

Rating: 8 out of 10
- Tune Lab Music


"TuneLab music Gives Light The Fire a 8 out of 10"

Overview: Ekotren formed in Cape Coral, Florida in 2000. It took them a long while to gain recognition, releasing EP’s in 2006 and 2007, (’The Tables Have Turned‘ and ‘Destroying the American Dream‘, respectively) before finally getting a record deal with Blind Prophecy Records to put out their first full-length, ‘Light The Fire‘. This melodic metalcore act has already toured with the likes of Saliva, Flyleaf and Nonpoint, amongst others, and looks to be a force to be reckoned with.

The Good: If nothing else, Ekotren has the youthful energy that many bands lack these days. On ‘Light the Fire‘, this quintet blows through 11 tracks of pure adrenaline in less than 40 minutes. There hardly is a chance for the listener to rest, as all you find here are headbanging thrash pieces, fist-pumping anthems and a single offering of balladry (”Needed You More”). Vocalist John Sheldon is the key to Ekotren’s strength. While his screamed vocals are fairly standard, his clean singing voice is emotive, to say the least. With the title track, “Paper Thin”, “Become”, and “Point of View”, Sheldon blends his thick screams and/or lifting clean vocals into the band’s punishing metalcore overdrive. On the aforementioned “Needed You More” and the lead single “Tranquilized”, Sheldon downplays his screams, instead letting his clean vocals carry the song above the blood, sweat and tears of the others. Importantly, he knows when to sing and when to scream. He displays deep emotion on the suicide note “Death Blanket”, which is especially powerful. Lyrically, he come dangerously close to Emo-ism (”So tell me friends when I’m gone; Don’t ever shed a tear; I was never happy here anyway”), but that’s to be expected with this topic. Ekotren walks the line without falling, delivering crushing songs with needle-sharp lyrics. The other songs cover topics ranging from political/religious hypocrisy to a supposedly-mythical beast. The last song on the album, “El Chupacabra”, is a nightmarish run through the forest from the blood-sucking beast. If that doesn’t light a fire under your ass, nothing will.

The Bad: ‘Light the Fire‘ is a short affair, for sure. While this is a genre not known for terribly long songs, many of the songs here feel slightly underdeveloped. “Paper Thin” has the closest semblance to a guitar solo, the inclusion of which would have been a big boost to this album. Also, in many places Sheldon overplays the profanity card, dropping F-bombs just to fill empty syllables. Maybe it’s all just an exercise in anger management, but a little more time in the studio ought to have smoothed the wrinkles out, giving the album more depth.

Bottomline: Ekotren is pumping on all cylinders here. They have the energy of youth and much more strength than you would expect. This is another band that melds melody with aggression without ever coming off as “soft”. This is a punishing album from a band with a chance to make big waves.

Rating: 8 out of 10
- Tune Lab Music


"Mouth For War Review"

This Florida based quintet have got quite a debut full length on their hands. Ekotren has a wide variety of music on Light The Fire, ranging from commercial radio friendly songs to hardcore mosh pit ready anthems. As talented as these dudes are I feel a bit conflicted and confused after each subsequent listen. I love the heaviness that they showcase on this disc, yet can’t quite get into the more melodic songs that dominate — and will surely sell albums. Despite my own trepidations, Ekotren do a phenomenal job mixing the two ends of their musical entity well among the albums tracks.

Vocalist John Sheldon is a talented front man and a bit of a breathe of fresh air with regards to his delivery. He has the ability to hit melodic notes, carry a tune well and yet still have the ability to blind side with ferocious barks and shouts. Guitarist Keith Finnell sets up Sheldon well with some pretty punishing riffs yet is capable of catchy hooks and leads. The rhythm section, comprised of bassist Derek DeSantis and drummer Eric Pottle, create the base of the band’s sound with heavy handed drum work and plenty of groove.

Light the Fire
The title track opens up with a bit of chaos thanks to some overlaid sound clips before a catchy riff gets the album off to a heavy start. Sheldon’s delivery is gruff and flowing, but he showcases his ability to hit higher end screams and guttural growls. This one also carries with it a catchy chorus and melodic backing vocals.

Paper Thin
The second song on this debut release starts off with a bit of keyboard work courtesy of Steve Chin before another catchy bit of riffing and drum work come into play. There are a few nicely timed tempo changes throughout this one as Sheldon showcases his vocal capabilities with cleanly sung vocals and gruff hardcore shouts and screams.

Become
“Become” sees a bit of a shift in the bands sound as they transition through the songs and into the more melodic elements on Light The Fire. There is plenty of heaviness yet the band utilizes their more melodic elements to great effect throughout. As cheesy as it is, I absolutely love the chorus on this one — layered vocals are used real well on this one. For as melodic as the band gets on this track there are still moments of sheer aggression and anger.

Tables Have Turned
This next track is apparently from one of their earlier EPs and has a hell of a groove to it. This one hits hard and has plenty to look forward to on subsequent listens. It’s also got the feel of a few of the tracks from Diecast’s Tearing Down Your Blue Skies thanks to producer Paul Trust. There are some nice keyboard and lead interplay in the second half of this song.

Tranquilized
“Tranquilized” sees the band forgo their simpler and heavier side for the most part and focus more on melodies and more rock oriented sound. This one has radio hit written all over it.

Nothing Left
This one starts off aggressively with a large riff and extended scream from Sheldon. Mixing their heaviness with more melodies they’ve got a great track on their hands with “Nothing Left.” The band slows it down a bit at the 1:30 mark before introducing a nice rock fueled riff and melodic vocal work before shifting into breakdown mode with screams and beefy riffing.

Falling
A catchy riff starts this one off nicely as the band softens their approach, bringing in a sound that would easily fit on early Finger Eleven releases. It’s a nice song that I could see garnering the band some air time on local radio.

Death Blanket
Background drumming and electronica noise start this one off as the drums shift to the forefront with some nice guitar work. This track shifts from pop friendly choruses to beefy, hardcore attacks within the span of a few short minutes. It’s an interesting track that juxtaposes the band’s different dynamics into an interesting confrontation. Because of that, I can’t seem to get enough of it.

Point of View
“Point of View” starts out with some interesting keyboard work and riffing before Sheldon shows up with a huge scream, bringing in heavy metalcore guitar work. The band immediately slows it down to light guitar work and softer vocal delivery. Man, these guys shift their tempos and sound well leaving the lighter stuff behind them to hit heavy with bone crushing breakdowns and drum work.

Needed You More
Light guitar work starts off this next song as Sheldon sings with a clean delivery. This is one of those songs that high school girls would wet themselves over when it comes on their bedroom stereos. Good for Ekotren for throwing it into the mix as I’m sure that given the right marketing could definitely sell more than a few albums for them all on its own.

Chupacabra
The final track starts off with crickets and other farm sounds as a huge riff and driving drums fade in with a hell of a scream on Sheldon’s part. Thank god these guys decided to make up for that sappy last song with a track that has some balls. - mouthforwar.com


"Mouth For War Review"

This Florida based quintet have got quite a debut full length on their hands. Ekotren has a wide variety of music on Light The Fire, ranging from commercial radio friendly songs to hardcore mosh pit ready anthems. As talented as these dudes are I feel a bit conflicted and confused after each subsequent listen. I love the heaviness that they showcase on this disc, yet can’t quite get into the more melodic songs that dominate — and will surely sell albums. Despite my own trepidations, Ekotren do a phenomenal job mixing the two ends of their musical entity well among the albums tracks.

Vocalist John Sheldon is a talented front man and a bit of a breathe of fresh air with regards to his delivery. He has the ability to hit melodic notes, carry a tune well and yet still have the ability to blind side with ferocious barks and shouts. Guitarist Keith Finnell sets up Sheldon well with some pretty punishing riffs yet is capable of catchy hooks and leads. The rhythm section, comprised of bassist Derek DeSantis and drummer Eric Pottle, create the base of the band’s sound with heavy handed drum work and plenty of groove.

Light the Fire
The title track opens up with a bit of chaos thanks to some overlaid sound clips before a catchy riff gets the album off to a heavy start. Sheldon’s delivery is gruff and flowing, but he showcases his ability to hit higher end screams and guttural growls. This one also carries with it a catchy chorus and melodic backing vocals.

Paper Thin
The second song on this debut release starts off with a bit of keyboard work courtesy of Steve Chin before another catchy bit of riffing and drum work come into play. There are a few nicely timed tempo changes throughout this one as Sheldon showcases his vocal capabilities with cleanly sung vocals and gruff hardcore shouts and screams.

Become
“Become” sees a bit of a shift in the bands sound as they transition through the songs and into the more melodic elements on Light The Fire. There is plenty of heaviness yet the band utilizes their more melodic elements to great effect throughout. As cheesy as it is, I absolutely love the chorus on this one — layered vocals are used real well on this one. For as melodic as the band gets on this track there are still moments of sheer aggression and anger.

Tables Have Turned
This next track is apparently from one of their earlier EPs and has a hell of a groove to it. This one hits hard and has plenty to look forward to on subsequent listens. It’s also got the feel of a few of the tracks from Diecast’s Tearing Down Your Blue Skies thanks to producer Paul Trust. There are some nice keyboard and lead interplay in the second half of this song.

Tranquilized
“Tranquilized” sees the band forgo their simpler and heavier side for the most part and focus more on melodies and more rock oriented sound. This one has radio hit written all over it.

Nothing Left
This one starts off aggressively with a large riff and extended scream from Sheldon. Mixing their heaviness with more melodies they’ve got a great track on their hands with “Nothing Left.” The band slows it down a bit at the 1:30 mark before introducing a nice rock fueled riff and melodic vocal work before shifting into breakdown mode with screams and beefy riffing.

Falling
A catchy riff starts this one off nicely as the band softens their approach, bringing in a sound that would easily fit on early Finger Eleven releases. It’s a nice song that I could see garnering the band some air time on local radio.

Death Blanket
Background drumming and electronica noise start this one off as the drums shift to the forefront with some nice guitar work. This track shifts from pop friendly choruses to beefy, hardcore attacks within the span of a few short minutes. It’s an interesting track that juxtaposes the band’s different dynamics into an interesting confrontation. Because of that, I can’t seem to get enough of it.

Point of View
“Point of View” starts out with some interesting keyboard work and riffing before Sheldon shows up with a huge scream, bringing in heavy metalcore guitar work. The band immediately slows it down to light guitar work and softer vocal delivery. Man, these guys shift their tempos and sound well leaving the lighter stuff behind them to hit heavy with bone crushing breakdowns and drum work.

Needed You More
Light guitar work starts off this next song as Sheldon sings with a clean delivery. This is one of those songs that high school girls would wet themselves over when it comes on their bedroom stereos. Good for Ekotren for throwing it into the mix as I’m sure that given the right marketing could definitely sell more than a few albums for them all on its own.

Chupacabra
The final track starts off with crickets and other farm sounds as a huge riff and driving drums fade in with a hell of a scream on Sheldon’s part. Thank god these guys decided to make up for that sappy last song with a track that has some balls. - mouthforwar.com


"The Gauntlet gives Light The Fire 4 0ut of 5"

Freshly signed to Blind Prophecy Records and right out of the studio from recording its first full length album 'Light the Fire' with acclaimed producer Paul Trust (Diecast, Endo) EkoTren are hitting the road hard touring with Droid and Ill Nino. Coming from Cape Coral, Florida the band is newly signed but they are not new to playing music; they have been a band for seven years and have well earned their stripes releasing two EPs, 'The Tables Have Turned' in 2006 and 'Destroying the American Dream' in 2007 while sharing stages with the likes of Saliva, Flyleaf, and Diecast on tour all before recording 'Light The Fire'.

For being yet another hardcore/metalcore band EkoTren is pretty original. They blend the music of the nu-metal era that was big when it formed and the current hard core revival. Think Disturbed meets As I Lay Dying. Songs like the title track and 'Nothing Left' have a heavy, in your face metal sound to start off and then glide into a melodically angry chorus. 'Tables Have Turned' stands out as one of the best on the record with a nicely crunchy rhythm section. 'Point of View' is the most meaningful song on the record, kind of a ballad but almost too heavy to be called that.

EkoTren has worked hard to get where it is musically as well as career wise, and things can only get better from here. 'Light the Fire' is a strong debut and worth a listen. - Colette Claire


"The Gauntlet gives Light The Fire 4 0ut of 5"

Freshly signed to Blind Prophecy Records and right out of the studio from recording its first full length album 'Light the Fire' with acclaimed producer Paul Trust (Diecast, Endo) EkoTren are hitting the road hard touring with Droid and Ill Nino. Coming from Cape Coral, Florida the band is newly signed but they are not new to playing music; they have been a band for seven years and have well earned their stripes releasing two EPs, 'The Tables Have Turned' in 2006 and 'Destroying the American Dream' in 2007 while sharing stages with the likes of Saliva, Flyleaf, and Diecast on tour all before recording 'Light The Fire'.

For being yet another hardcore/metalcore band EkoTren is pretty original. They blend the music of the nu-metal era that was big when it formed and the current hard core revival. Think Disturbed meets As I Lay Dying. Songs like the title track and 'Nothing Left' have a heavy, in your face metal sound to start off and then glide into a melodically angry chorus. 'Tables Have Turned' stands out as one of the best on the record with a nicely crunchy rhythm section. 'Point of View' is the most meaningful song on the record, kind of a ballad but almost too heavy to be called that.

EkoTren has worked hard to get where it is musically as well as career wise, and things can only get better from here. 'Light the Fire' is a strong debut and worth a listen. - Colette Claire


"Decoy Music Light The Fire Review"

It's pretty much a given that in today's music scene, it's near impossible to do something completely and truly unique. Seriously, if you think your band is doing something that has never been done before, you're dead wrong. All you can hope to do is play what you play well and maybe toss together some things that aren't done all that often. That's what Ekotren have done on their debut, Light the Fire.

Mixing together some of the metalcore aggression of Silent Civilian, the hardcore stomp of Throwdown, and the radio appeal of Nonpoint, Ekotren have put together an album that should be able to catch on with both the scene kiddies and some of the more discerning metalcore listeners. Heck, there's even a couple of songs on this album that might even be able to be played on the radio believe it or not.

--Rick Gebhardt - Decoymusic.com


"Decoy Music Light The Fire Review"

It's pretty much a given that in today's music scene, it's near impossible to do something completely and truly unique. Seriously, if you think your band is doing something that has never been done before, you're dead wrong. All you can hope to do is play what you play well and maybe toss together some things that aren't done all that often. That's what Ekotren have done on their debut, Light the Fire.

Mixing together some of the metalcore aggression of Silent Civilian, the hardcore stomp of Throwdown, and the radio appeal of Nonpoint, Ekotren have put together an album that should be able to catch on with both the scene kiddies and some of the more discerning metalcore listeners. Heck, there's even a couple of songs on this album that might even be able to be played on the radio believe it or not.

--Rick Gebhardt - Decoymusic.com


"Corazine Light The Fire Review"

Light the fire, indeed. Ekotren finds ways to make lots of hard music people happy. Shifting style dynamics, constant movement, melody mixed with heaviness, multiple vocal styles. Man, it's all here. Metalcore, hardcore, punk, thrash and just plain old crunchy but teflon slick metal crash all over the place. It's a controlled amalgam of musical styles that segue effortlessly one into the other. If one thing doesn't sweep you up - give it a minute - another will. And when that happens, you'll understand the beauty of the whole. A big grasp and far reach of style boost Ekotren with a mighty shove. - corazine.com


"Corazine Light The Fire Review"

Light the fire, indeed. Ekotren finds ways to make lots of hard music people happy. Shifting style dynamics, constant movement, melody mixed with heaviness, multiple vocal styles. Man, it's all here. Metalcore, hardcore, punk, thrash and just plain old crunchy but teflon slick metal crash all over the place. It's a controlled amalgam of musical styles that segue effortlessly one into the other. If one thing doesn't sweep you up - give it a minute - another will. And when that happens, you'll understand the beauty of the whole. A big grasp and far reach of style boost Ekotren with a mighty shove. - corazine.com


"East Coast Romper Light The Fire Review"

BY: STEPHANIE STEVENS

www.MySpace.com/Ekotren

So from Florida comes EKOTREN, some may already know the band since they have been touring the States extensively and have also done very well on two EP's they have released in the past, THE TABLES HAVE TURNED (06) and DESTROYING THE AMERICAN DREAM (07).

Just recently, the guys got signed to Blind Prophecy Records and on February 19th, LIGHT THE FIRE, the band's debut album gets unleashed to the music world and people your in for a treat. Let me start with vocalist John Sheldon, he does a mixture of metal screams but also captures his singing abilities and the contrast between both is really diverse. A lullaby-esque feel to his singing voice, gentle and sincere, clean and distinct on a whole it captures your ear at first listen. Then on the other side, the psycho more aggressive vocal duties have this raspy and powerful force. Only downside is I was hoping for more intensity but the music creates that intense power punch so the lack in intense vocals actually fits the music. (But I'm sure in a live setting it is chaos, which will have me all smiles when I see them in Feb. with Ill Nino). TABLES HAVE TURNED, turns out to be an older song they revamped. This is a good song to put my last opinion about the vocals and intensity on. It is a track that gets you moving and the melody drives you to sing a long. It wasn't until track 5, TRANQUALIZED that I realized I was hooked on EKOTREN. First off, kudos to the delivery of vocal duties and harmonies. This song is less metal but more melodic rock inspiration, but everything about this song is addicting. The verses sweet n delicate and the chorus, pushes the bang and shaa zam that makes the song. NOTHING LEFT is pumped up metal that is head bopping fun! The guitars on FALLEN are primo, alluring and free flowing. Nothing technical or outlandish, they stay simple musically but the way they put it together makes your ears perk up. POINT OF VIEW reminds me something between the cross of All That Remains and Nonpoint, but you may think that's odd to mesh those two bands but this song has that vocal metalness with the intriguing musical ability of a Nonpoint song. NEEDED YOU MORE lyrically, vocally, musically is the best in my opinion on this debut disc. It has range, it has sentimental/true words and just flows and captures an elegance in the rock world. To end the Cd on a "Don't forget us: vibe is CHUPACABRA. A little farm animal intro and kicks into high aggressive metal fun with a screaming vocal punch and just really down and dirty guitars, constant melody driving drums and a bass that keeps it a thumping. EKOTREN has always had that signature songwriting ability and they brought if full force writing for LIGHT THE FIRE. These guys are working hard, check em out so in 2008 you can rock out to a pretty snazzy disc start to finish. - East Coast Romper


"East Coast Romper Light The Fire Review"

BY: STEPHANIE STEVENS

www.MySpace.com/Ekotren

So from Florida comes EKOTREN, some may already know the band since they have been touring the States extensively and have also done very well on two EP's they have released in the past, THE TABLES HAVE TURNED (06) and DESTROYING THE AMERICAN DREAM (07).

Just recently, the guys got signed to Blind Prophecy Records and on February 19th, LIGHT THE FIRE, the band's debut album gets unleashed to the music world and people your in for a treat. Let me start with vocalist John Sheldon, he does a mixture of metal screams but also captures his singing abilities and the contrast between both is really diverse. A lullaby-esque feel to his singing voice, gentle and sincere, clean and distinct on a whole it captures your ear at first listen. Then on the other side, the psycho more aggressive vocal duties have this raspy and powerful force. Only downside is I was hoping for more intensity but the music creates that intense power punch so the lack in intense vocals actually fits the music. (But I'm sure in a live setting it is chaos, which will have me all smiles when I see them in Feb. with Ill Nino). TABLES HAVE TURNED, turns out to be an older song they revamped. This is a good song to put my last opinion about the vocals and intensity on. It is a track that gets you moving and the melody drives you to sing a long. It wasn't until track 5, TRANQUALIZED that I realized I was hooked on EKOTREN. First off, kudos to the delivery of vocal duties and harmonies. This song is less metal but more melodic rock inspiration, but everything about this song is addicting. The verses sweet n delicate and the chorus, pushes the bang and shaa zam that makes the song. NOTHING LEFT is pumped up metal that is head bopping fun! The guitars on FALLEN are primo, alluring and free flowing. Nothing technical or outlandish, they stay simple musically but the way they put it together makes your ears perk up. POINT OF VIEW reminds me something between the cross of All That Remains and Nonpoint, but you may think that's odd to mesh those two bands but this song has that vocal metalness with the intriguing musical ability of a Nonpoint song. NEEDED YOU MORE lyrically, vocally, musically is the best in my opinion on this debut disc. It has range, it has sentimental/true words and just flows and captures an elegance in the rock world. To end the Cd on a "Don't forget us: vibe is CHUPACABRA. A little farm animal intro and kicks into high aggressive metal fun with a screaming vocal punch and just really down and dirty guitars, constant melody driving drums and a bass that keeps it a thumping. EKOTREN has always had that signature songwriting ability and they brought if full force writing for LIGHT THE FIRE. These guys are working hard, check em out so in 2008 you can rock out to a pretty snazzy disc start to finish. - East Coast Romper


"Skyline Press Light The Fire Review"

Standing up after the creation of Ekotren's spaced apart EP's, they now seek to get their first full length behind them. "Light The Fire" is the result of working with successful producer Paul Trust and years of building ideas. These five guys from Florida are here to take the traditional metal setup and patch work their own unique keyboard sounds in it, to offer us something we may have not experienced before.

There are a bunch of weird band names that people seem to dream up and this one is a dozy. Ekotren almost sounds like an aftermarket car parts company. Either way this powder keg of energy is set to explode. Their style of hardcore metal has elements from many popular bands that will make this familiar at first. That is until you notice the slightly subtle synth and keys addition to the sound that makes this a refreshing piece of ear candy.

Charging riffs and agile guitars see their way through throaty vocals that also double as anthem shouts and smooth singing (at times), over the waves of musical progression that are present. They remind me of bands like Trivium, Bullet For My Valentine, and Static-X, with their swift guitars and powerful musical pushes. But the keyboards/synth are what differentiate Ekotren from others in the same vein. It gives that little bit extra that bands like InFlames enjoy as do their fans. On a side note, the lyrics are a tad on the brutish/simple side and will leave you with a bad taste in your mouth after too much exposure.

Otherwise, this is an entertaining metal album from an underground artist that should be getting more attention. While not completely without flaws, this is a nice start for Ekotren and with a bit of fine tuning and lyrical savyness, their soaring guitars and throaty vocals can be welcomed so much easier. This album lit the fire, now they just need to add more wood and keep it going.

~ Derek
January 28 2008 - skylinepress.net


"Skyline Press Light The Fire Review"

Standing up after the creation of Ekotren's spaced apart EP's, they now seek to get their first full length behind them. "Light The Fire" is the result of working with successful producer Paul Trust and years of building ideas. These five guys from Florida are here to take the traditional metal setup and patch work their own unique keyboard sounds in it, to offer us something we may have not experienced before.

There are a bunch of weird band names that people seem to dream up and this one is a dozy. Ekotren almost sounds like an aftermarket car parts company. Either way this powder keg of energy is set to explode. Their style of hardcore metal has elements from many popular bands that will make this familiar at first. That is until you notice the slightly subtle synth and keys addition to the sound that makes this a refreshing piece of ear candy.

Charging riffs and agile guitars see their way through throaty vocals that also double as anthem shouts and smooth singing (at times), over the waves of musical progression that are present. They remind me of bands like Trivium, Bullet For My Valentine, and Static-X, with their swift guitars and powerful musical pushes. But the keyboards/synth are what differentiate Ekotren from others in the same vein. It gives that little bit extra that bands like InFlames enjoy as do their fans. On a side note, the lyrics are a tad on the brutish/simple side and will leave you with a bad taste in your mouth after too much exposure.

Otherwise, this is an entertaining metal album from an underground artist that should be getting more attention. While not completely without flaws, this is a nice start for Ekotren and with a bit of fine tuning and lyrical savyness, their soaring guitars and throaty vocals can be welcomed so much easier. This album lit the fire, now they just need to add more wood and keep it going.

~ Derek
January 28 2008 - skylinepress.net


"MetalUnderground"

"The Tables Have Turned," an independently released debut album from Cape Coral, Florida’s Ekotren is flatout one of metal music’s most original and fresh sounding recording’s for 2006. In a year that has seen the once darker themed Korn lose all its edge and every old thrash or speed metal group from the 80-90’s dusted off and put back on the road and into the studio for more of nothing new, Ekotren has thrown its hat into the ring with a simply smashing collection of seven radio-friendly but extremely, provocative-themed songs. The best thing about what they’ve got going for them, in my mind, is you won’t normally find this kind of depth of artistc impression with such a young band in music.

Ekotren's The Tables Have Turned is flatout a highly contagious and infectious EP that immediately grabs your listening attention with the steady and heart-pounding title track. "The Tables Have Turned," launching next into other hard-hitting but melody-based songs like "Death Blanket," "The Light" and "Nothing Left." Each of these tracks shows off so many incredible facets to this band’s boldly explorative and appealing hard rock sound.

The following offerings, "Become" and "Betrayal" flash some of their obvious Mudvayne influence. But they seem to really stand tall and on their own with the album’s final song "The Massacre." It explores some pretty brutal and bloody scenarios washed in a dark red bloodbath, flowing a myriad of horrifying potential mass killings being committed. I forever consider this a work of smashing brilliance that they decided to offer up this kind of a poignant and truly pragmatic message to their audience. I applaud them. It seems like so much of the recurring violence seen on TV, cable and the movies today is starting to finally regurgitate back up into the art around it, be it music or what have you that is explored creatively today.

Ekotren revives examination of Dimebag Darrell’s nightmarish on-stage fan slaying with the lyrics, “No time to think twice, kill everyone inside.” This band is comprised of John Sheldon on vocals, Eric Pottle pounding the Drums, Keith Finnell jamming guitar, Steve Chin hitting the keys and Sean Fiene hanging it down low on the bass. Bravissimo. This a band obviously here to stay and be heard. And what is most impressive is that this has been pulled off by a group of teenagers. I think one of the main problems facing heavy music today is that just about every band on the scene thinks it has to try and emulate to exact speed, pitch and songwriting formula that of the most recognized bands of their sub-genre, be it a new black metal band trying to do Cradle of Filth or a death metal outfit putting on a blastbeat and then a cannibalized woman on their album cover and thinking they have actually created something. All this being said, The Tables Have Turned is by no means an extreme metal product, but it is indeed heavy, relying more on working out some seriously weighty and relevant issues that go on with teenagers today, be it life confusion, girlfriends or just plain angst that everyone has to deal with at some point, all of which this Rock journalist desperately feels needs to be welcomed with open arms if wounds are going to ever get healed.


Highs: "The Massacre" is by far the standout track on the EP.

Lows: Due to the low production budget there are a couple of rough spots that can be heard.

Bottom line: An impressive debut from a young and talented act that seem to take their music very seriously.


Visit Ekotren on the web:

www.myspace.com/ekotren
www.ekotren.com

- Rocket


"MetalUnderground"

"The Tables Have Turned," an independently released debut album from Cape Coral, Florida’s Ekotren is flatout one of metal music’s most original and fresh sounding recording’s for 2006. In a year that has seen the once darker themed Korn lose all its edge and every old thrash or speed metal group from the 80-90’s dusted off and put back on the road and into the studio for more of nothing new, Ekotren has thrown its hat into the ring with a simply smashing collection of seven radio-friendly but extremely, provocative-themed songs. The best thing about what they’ve got going for them, in my mind, is you won’t normally find this kind of depth of artistc impression with such a young band in music.

Ekotren's The Tables Have Turned is flatout a highly contagious and infectious EP that immediately grabs your listening attention with the steady and heart-pounding title track. "The Tables Have Turned," launching next into other hard-hitting but melody-based songs like "Death Blanket," "The Light" and "Nothing Left." Each of these tracks shows off so many incredible facets to this band’s boldly explorative and appealing hard rock sound.

The following offerings, "Become" and "Betrayal" flash some of their obvious Mudvayne influence. But they seem to really stand tall and on their own with the album’s final song "The Massacre." It explores some pretty brutal and bloody scenarios washed in a dark red bloodbath, flowing a myriad of horrifying potential mass killings being committed. I forever consider this a work of smashing brilliance that they decided to offer up this kind of a poignant and truly pragmatic message to their audience. I applaud them. It seems like so much of the recurring violence seen on TV, cable and the movies today is starting to finally regurgitate back up into the art around it, be it music or what have you that is explored creatively today.

Ekotren revives examination of Dimebag Darrell’s nightmarish on-stage fan slaying with the lyrics, “No time to think twice, kill everyone inside.” This band is comprised of John Sheldon on vocals, Eric Pottle pounding the Drums, Keith Finnell jamming guitar, Steve Chin hitting the keys and Sean Fiene hanging it down low on the bass. Bravissimo. This a band obviously here to stay and be heard. And what is most impressive is that this has been pulled off by a group of teenagers. I think one of the main problems facing heavy music today is that just about every band on the scene thinks it has to try and emulate to exact speed, pitch and songwriting formula that of the most recognized bands of their sub-genre, be it a new black metal band trying to do Cradle of Filth or a death metal outfit putting on a blastbeat and then a cannibalized woman on their album cover and thinking they have actually created something. All this being said, The Tables Have Turned is by no means an extreme metal product, but it is indeed heavy, relying more on working out some seriously weighty and relevant issues that go on with teenagers today, be it life confusion, girlfriends or just plain angst that everyone has to deal with at some point, all of which this Rock journalist desperately feels needs to be welcomed with open arms if wounds are going to ever get healed.


Highs: "The Massacre" is by far the standout track on the EP.

Lows: Due to the low production budget there are a couple of rough spots that can be heard.

Bottom line: An impressive debut from a young and talented act that seem to take their music very seriously.


Visit Ekotren on the web:

www.myspace.com/ekotren
www.ekotren.com

- Rocket


Discography

2008 "Light The Fire" Album
2007 -"Destroying The American Dream" EP
2006 - "The Tables Have Turned" EP

Photos

Bio

Established in Cape Coral, FL in 2000 by vocalist John Sheldon, guitarist Keith Finnell, and keyboardist Steve Chin, EkoTren has carved their name deep into the scene. With the later additions of drummer Eric Pottle and bassist Derek DeSantis, the quintet has toured the state extensively, off of two EPs, ‘The Tables Have Turned’ (2006) and ‘Destroying the American Dream’ (2007) and have shared stages with the likes of Saliva, Flyleaf, Nonpoint, Diecast, Ankla and more.

After seven years of dedication, the band signed with Blind Prophecy Records in September 2007 and immediately hit the studio with acclaimed producer Paul Trust (Diecast, Endo) to craft their first full-length album, ‘Light the Fire’, available worldwide in early 2008. Steered by melody and driven by metal, the 11-track effort breathes new life into fan favorites like “The Tables Have Turned” and displays brand new tracks in EkoTren’s signature style.

After the international release of the album, EkoTren aims bring their unique breed of metal to the masses with extensive touring