EP Review: Pathos & Logos – Gospel (Self Released)

Alternative, and progressive metal power-duo (guitarist/vocalist Kyle Neeley and drummer/vocalist Paul Christiansen), Pathos & Logos are back with their brand-new EP, ‘Gospel’. It is the much anticipated follow up to the duo’s acclaimed 2022 EP of instrumentals, ‘Cult’. It will be released on June 27th, 2025.

They’re back and holy heck, is this an evolution. Not just because their instrumentals are so much more accessible, but because of the fact that we now have vocals. Yes, Pathos & Logos have introduced vocals, utilising both band members’ voices and lyrical content than draws from their extensive lore.

It’s a game changer, as simple as that, and the kind of evolution that is guaranteed to turn even more heads in their direction. However, it’s far from the only notably progressed aspect of the band and there’s a strong argument that the duo have found their sound now, even if it’s taken some serious work to get to this point (I’d advise you to watch/listen to an interview here that we conducted with them earlier this year to find out more about that).

So, let’s talk about the vocals first. Both artists have distinct styles, and the EP shows us how well they mesh, especially as there is variations within. Harsh and clean, commanding and vulnerable, there’s a lot to experience across the EP and you can tell that the duo are relishing the chance to sing and speak about the subjects they are so passionate about (magik, power and spirituality). Alongside some of their most infectious instrumental sounds to date.

Are Pathos & Logos getting more accessible? I’d say so, even if there are plenty of progressive, experimental, and technical touches that make for a unique listening experience. Take The New Aeon for example, it has a chorus, and it’s a daringly singalong chorus. Whereas Pentecost is a thicker, meaner beast in places, but with touches of smile-inducing drama, and dominated by clean singing. It’s very cool.

Then along comes Back to You, the track that might be the most polarising of the EP. Why polarising? It is a ballad, through and through, and that isn’t going to be to everyone’s taste. I do think it has so much value to offer though, and you’d be a fool to ignore it just because it’s a ballad. The vocals are lovely, the piano melody is touching, and it grows in impressive stature as it goes on. By the end, it’s a much more robust and power-focused track.

Now let’s say you didn’t care for it. Good news! There are two more versions to enjoy (not as part of this EP, but available none the less), so if this version doesn’t do it for you, maybe the stripped back acoustic version or the frenzied speed and heaviness of the ‘Torn in Two’ version will hit instead.

It’s not the only track to get this treatment either as the brilliant Let Me Go comes with an instrumental version and a ‘Hunter’s Moon’ version (raw and intense). Both variations have their own unique vibe, but it’s the main version that slays. A melody-laced effort that blends vulnerability and power. At times, you’ll feel yourself sinking into it like a deep and comfy cushion, whereas, at others, you will sit bolt upright as a heavier, and more intense sound emerges. All while having progressive twists and cinematic flair. One of the best Pathos & Logos tracks to date.

Just like that, it’s over, but not before the duo give us a robust and rocking cover of Nirvana’s iconic In Bloom. They do it justice.

The future has never looked brighter for this band, and while this EP is really satisfying, it’s so exciting to think about what might come next as they grow in confidence and continue to evolve.

Pathos & Logos – Gospel Track Listing:

1. The New Aeon
2. Pentecost
3. Back to You
4. Let Me Go
5. In Bloom (Nirvana Cover)

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