Tight, heavy hardcore. Pounding, quick, decisive. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this record is that somewhat nonsensical song titles. “Shifgrethor,” “kemmer,” and “neareal” are just a few of the song titles available on this demo. If I had to make an educated guess, these might be phrases from Ursula K. Le Guin’s Hainish Cycle, which the name Ekumen is derived from. A better reviewer than I would read the lyrics sheet and try to understand the sci-fi landscape that Ekumen is laying down. Me? I’ll just stare at the titles, baffled, but nodded my head along to the tasteful hardcore blasting through my speakers. –Bryan Static (Self-released, ekumen.bandcamp.com)