Irae: “Tetelestai” EP Review
Nashville rockers, Irae, are bursting back onto the scene with their blazing EP, Tetelestai. Despite being a short two-song EP, it packs a punch. The guest collaborations really give this EP a unique edge. The first song, “7 Horns, 7 Eyes, 7 Seals,” features the return of Mattie Montgomery back on the mic and the second song, “Tetelestai” features Shawn Jonas of Symphony in Peril. These two songs are a brutal addition to the Christian metal scene.
Tetelestai EP Review:
Tracks: 2
Length: 7:02
Release Date: April 11, 2025
Label: Independent Release
“7 Horns, 7 Eyes, 7 Seals” is an intriguing choice for a song title, but it starts off with a dramatic opening. I enjoy this style of opening because you can visualize the band using it as their intro while they walk out on stage. The guitar riffs set the tempo and help push the song along. The drums just blast through and between the double bass and rhythmic blasts, the drums shine on this song. The screams from lead vocalist, Kashif, remind me of Matt Hasting of MyChildren MyBride. As for the lyrics, skeptics often ask if Christian metal be considered worship. Look at the lyrics and ask me how it can’t be considered worship:
“Holy, Exalted One. Glory, to Him who sits on the throne. Worthy, is the lamb who was slain. To receive wisdom and strength.”
This track is a total banger that shatters the idea that Christian metal can’t be worship.
Just as quickly as the first song ends, the EP draws to a close with “Tetelestai.” Tetelestai comes from the Greek word for the phrase “It is finished.” The guitar work at the beginning draws similarities to Norma Jean. Throughout the song, the guitars and drum blasts get your head bobbing along. That final breakdown is a brutal teaser of the sheer heaviness this band is capable of delivering in the future.
“I’ve hid in caverns as you speak. After fires arise. The wind howls its cries. The earth moves violently.”
These lyrics remind me of the time that Elijah spent in the cave after being threatened by Queen Jezebel in 1 Kings 19. Elijah is seeking refuge and seeing destruction and can’t quite hear the faint whisper of God’s comfort. The song ends on a beautiful note of hope and salvation.
“Behold the cursed man upon the tree. His blood has spoken, my eyes now see. It is finished, it is done. The Son of Man has overcome.”
This EP supplies a great one-two punch of biblical truth and heavy breakdowns. The band shows that they are not afraid to pull from the Scriptures for their lyrics and to speak truth. The band seemed to write with the guest vocalists in mind, letting their specific styles lead the way. The first song featured hints of For Today, whereas 'Tetelestai' appeared more influenced by the sound of Symphony in Peril. Irae has a bright future and I’m looking forward to the day that they release a full-length album.
