Fall Of Efrafa [UK] †
Fall Of Efrafa was a crust band from Brighton, UK, we formed in 2006, and over the following four years we released three records, collectively known as "The Warren of Snares" - Owsla, Elil and Inlé. The concept was loosely based around the novel Watership Down by Richard Adams, addressing certain political and social issues that are discussed metaphorically within the book.
In the novel, Efrafa is a rabbit colony ruled by a dictator called General Woundwort, who oppresses rebellion through his elite police, the Owsla. In the context of the bands concept, Owsla represents the populace around which the story revolves, the Efrafa representing humanity. In the clutches of a theocratic dictatorship, their society is on the brink of collapse. With the encroachment of the Efrafa, an invasive species, this dictatorship turns to blind faith, obedience and punishment for answers. The story records the uprising by those who defy the word of rule and religion, culminating in not only the dethronement of their leader, but a futile charge against the Efrafa.
The trilogy is cyclical and runs in reverse; with Owsla representing the climax and eventual rebirth of the story. This is signified by a passage of cello which bookends the trilogy - representing the eventual rise and fall of empires and our inability to learn from past mistakes.
The band's first album, Owsla, came out in 2006, alternating D-beat emo crust, with the slow melancholic melody of post-rock, along with some post metal influences. The album title is a word in the Lapine language that in the novel corresponds to the elite warriors of the warren, who very often take advantage of their position by abusing their power over other rabbits. In the context of the record, the Owsla is a name bestowed upon all by their despotic leader, in a cynical move to give his people a false sense of empowerment. This record documents the final charge against the Efrafa.
The second album, Elil (in Lapine the language, meaning "enemy"), released the following year. The music moves through post rock/ post metal passages and a slower more brooding melodic crust, taking inspiration from doom metal. The concept continues with a view of the psychology of those within a society fighting religious oppression, both internal and external.
The last release, Inlé, came out in 2009. This record is predominantly slow, doom metal, to reflect the subject matter. The black cover and the album title, featuring Inlé, the black rabbit of death. The story begins with this record, a society on the brink of self-destruction, a maniacal ruler wielding theocratic ideology, oppressing and abusing, offering nothing in the face of a much greater threat, the encroachment of humanity upon their land.
The band ended once we had completed one final brief european tour, and we released a discography boxset called The Warren of Snares Trilogy, alongside a limited edition tour documentary DVD. Our last ever show was in Brighton, in december 2009.
Band members:
Steve - Guitar
Neil - Guitar
George - Drums
Mikey - Bass
Alex - Vocals
After Fall of Efrafa, Mikey joined D beat crust band Boredom on various tours, Neil formed Stoner metal band Blackstorm, and later Charybdis. George also played drums in Aradia and worked on a post rock project with his brother called Movement of Leaves. Alex became the vocalist in post metal band Light bearer, hardcore band Momentum, and then later Vegan Dbeat band Carnist, joined cello driven emocrust band Anopheli, atmospheric metal band Archivist and created Morrow, a post civilisation melodic crust band, featuring members of many of the aforementioned bands.
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