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Band: Thin Eater
Album title: Thin Eater
Release date: 28 March 2025
Label: Leptura Records
Genre: Dark Electro, Post-Punk, Darkwave
Tracklist:
01. Misery
02. Silently Quitting At The Speed Of Light
03. Amphibian Sheep With 13 Heads (A Proposal)
04. Sideways
05. You Are A Star Now
06. The Landala Vampire
07. A Lake Reflecting The Stars
08. Undead
09. Mr. Eater, I Presume
10. A Soul Of Love Has Turned To Black
11. Release The Children Of The Night
12. Sacrifice
Few people know the Swedish duo Thin Eater - unless they happen to tune into Terra Relicta Radio and stumble upon one of its tracks. Formed in 2022, Thin Eater features vocalist and keyboardist Anders Calderon alongside guitarist and keyboardist Martin Claesson. From the beginning, they set out to write and record material for their self-titled debut album, which finally emerged a few months ago. The cover artwork, at first glance, suggests death metal vibes, echoing the aesthetic of Carcass or even the Death's Human album. But surprises await.
So, what does Thin Eater bring to the table? An arresting fusion of alternative dark genres, at once chilling and mystical. The twelve tracks brim with energy, maintaining thematic cohesion while venturing across diverse stylistic terrain. At its core lies classic post-punk, invigorated by electronic textures, darkwave accents, and gothic rock flourishes. Thin Eater also weaves in strands of dark Americana and a cinematic horror ambience, producing a soundscape that feels tightly woven yet richly layered.
Despite the presence of lively electronic beats, the album isn't crafted for nightclub revelry. Instead, it suits focused listening or serves as an evocative sonic companion to other activities. Fans of genre-defining acts like Bauhaus and London After Midnight will recognise familiar hallmarks, while connoisseurs of obscure darkwave and gothic tunes - think Into The Mist, early Gothminister, or vintage Crüxshadows - will find ample resonance. Thin Eater's musical DNA pulses with influences from the 1980s and early 90s.
Standout tracks command attention: the melancholic opener "Misery", the frenzied "Silently Quitting At The Speed Of Light", the macabre Americana of "Amphibian Sheep With 13 Heads (A Proposal)", and the cyber-gothic sweep of "Release The Children Of The Night". Post-punk guitars interlace with haunting synths and vibrant electronics, creating compelling sonic interplay. Vocally, the album leans into classic gothic stylings - reminiscent of Peter Murphy with echoes of Sean Brennan - but often settles into a predictable groove. The delivery doesn't lack quality, though its emotional range feels limited.
Thin Eater's debut makes a strong impression. A pared-down EP - losing four or five tracks - might tighten its impact. With punchier choruses, they could elevate their appeal dramatically. Nonetheless, the album showcases impressive craft and a distinctive vision. It's a promising foundation, and Thin Eater clearly possesses the spark to achieve even greater heights.
Review by Tomaz
Rating:7,5/10
