Ever since its creation and first translation more than two centuries ago, the timeless Thousand and One Nights has proven to be among the most popular and influential works in the history of literature. From poets Alfred Lord Tennyson and Edgar Allen Poe to graphic novel creator Neil Gaiman, to even author Stephen King and on to the cinematic world (Disney’s Aladdin and Columbia Pictures’ The 7th Voyage of Sinbad) and more, the timeless tale has remained a key part of the world’s history and culture; especially that of the Western world. Early next month, its impact will be felt anew through independent metal outfit Letallis’ forthcoming brand-new EP, A Thousand and One Nights Chapter One. Set for release July 2, the five-song record proves an interesting new take on the classic story that is well worth hearing at least once. That is due in no small part to its featured musical arrangements, which will be discussed shortly. The lyrical content featured alongside that musical material adds to the appeal and will be discussed a little later. The record’s production rounds out its most important elements. It will also be addressed later. Each item noted is important in its own way to the whole of this record. All things considered they make A Thousand and One Nights an intriguing, original work that is definitely among the best of 2024’s top new EPs.
A Thousand and One Nights, the new, forthcoming EP from Letallis, is an interesting, engaging and engaging new offering from the independent metal outfit composed of front man/guitarist Jake Calonius, guitarist Mark Hedwig and drummer Alex Cohen. The record’s interest comes in part through its musical content. Over the course of the 17-minute EP, the arrangements take listeners in a variety of directions. The story opens with a gentle Middle Eastern style composition in ‘Merchant’ as listeners are taken into the market where they meet the enigmatic figure who shares the story that is to follow. As the song progresses, nearing its end, that gentle, flowing nature suddenly turns very heavy, moving in a more metalcore direction, complete with the gutturals. What is really interesting here is the fluid way in which that transition happens. It is so natural, essentially creating two movements in the one song that partner perfectly. ‘Palace,’ the record’s second entry, takes listeners back to that “A section” of sorts, blending influence of Gojira and Opeth between the verses and chorus for quite the engaging composition. This before very quickly turning the musical tide even more in the EP’s title track (also its third track). The full-on metalcore approach taken here is so intense (and perfectly so) as listeners are presented with the reaction to the King’s discovery of his wife’s unfaithfulness. As the song nears its end, the band switches gears, turning to a death metal approach very much in the vein on Whitechapel, adding even more interest to the composition.
‘Thief,’ the penultimate entry in this first chapter of Letallis’ tale, continues the death metal approach used in the finale “movement” of ‘A Thousand and One Nights’ throughout its nearly 6-minute run time, ensuring listeners’ continued engagement and entertainment.
As the band makes its way through the record’s finale, ‘The Vizier and the Sage,’ the band turns more in the vein of the heavy sounds of Gojira, once more showing the variance in the EP’s musical content. When that intensity is considered along with the diversity in the rest of the EP’s arrangements, the whole therein makes the musical side of A Thousand and One Nights reason enough for audiences take in this EP.
Another reason for audiences to give Letallis’ new EP an opportunity is its overall lyrical content. As noted, the record is a musical re-telling of the timeless literary classic that is A Thousand and One Nights. It is only the first part of the band’s retelling of that tale, too. What is really interesting herein is how it is executed. Even being a musical presentation, the way in which it is presented gives it almost a cinematic feel. In other words, audiences who actively immerse themselves in the record can actually see everything going on in each part of the story. To that end, credit where due for Calonius. Calonius clearly thought hard in creating the lyrics to make this a storytelling record of sorts, and that approach worked quite well here.
On a related note, the story is not just that. The songs also present distinct lessons. Case in point the finale, which teaches the lesson of making do with what one has. ‘Thief,’ on another note, is the story of Aladdin but from quite the interesting angle. It serves as a reminder about what happens to people who think they have to have everything in the world; how that hunger for having whatever one doesn’t have can turn one’s life upside down. It really ties into the story’s bigger tale, that of a king whose wife betrayed him and what it led him to do. Keeping that in mind, the lyrical presentation featured here and its execution is sure to keep listeners just as engaged and entertained as the EP’s musical content.
The EP’s production brings everything full circle here, completing the EP’s presentation. That is due to the balance that results from the production between the vocals and instrumentation in each song. Additionally, the clear attention paid to each composition’s dynamics and their role in the story’s mood throughout the EP. The vocals and instrumentation in each song compliment each other so well, and the attention to detail even does so well to set the mood in each tale, making for just as much engagement and entertainment. The end result is a positive aesthetic that when paired with the positives of the record’s overall content, makes the whole a musical work that will appeal just as much to metal fans as to vintage literature fans. Yes that sounds like an odd coupling but it is true.
A Thousand And One Nights,’ the new EP from independent metal act Letallis, is an interesting outing for the band, both as an introduction to the band and as a continuation of sorts for audiences who are more familiar with the band and its catalog. That is due in no small part to the record’s featured musical arrangements. The arrangements express plenty of diversity, at times blending and other times showing by themselves, influence of the likes of Whitechapel, Gojira, and Opeth. The lyrical content that accompanies the record’s musical arrangements makes for its own share of interest, as noted. The production herein puts the finishing touch to the presentation, competing its picture. Each item noted is important in its own way to the whole of Letallis’ new EP. All things considered they make A Thousand and One Nights one more of this year’s top new EPs.
A Thousand and One Nights is scheduled for release July 2 independently. More information on the EP is available along with all of Letallis’ latest news at:
Website: https://letallis.bandcamp.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Letallis
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Letallis
To keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news, go online to https://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.
philspicks 