Progressive Metal Review: At War With Self-Circadian Rhythm Disorder

Release Date: 11^thMarch 2015

Label:  Digital release

Website

At War With Self is a project led/conceived by Glenn Snelwar, a multi-instrumentalist, best known, although not by this reviewer, as one of the guitarists on the Giordian Knot debut which featured members of King Crimson, Cynic, Watchtower and Dream Theater.

At War With Self has previously released three albums, Torn Between Dimensions (2005), Acts of God (2007) and A Familiar Path (2009), and now, album No 4 has landed on The Ancient Ones’ desk for review. The title of the newest release is Circadian Rhythm Disorder.

To quote the press release that accompanies this album release, “Circadian Rhythm Disorderis the culmination of four years of writing, recording, re-writing, analysis, re-analysis, discarding, rebuilding, e-evaluation and final culmination of compositions based on the framework of a 51 minute drum solo performed in a single take by Marco Minneman (drummer, composer, multi-instrumentalist with Steven Wilson Band and Joe Satriani Band).”

I will admit at the outset of this review that the thought of a 51 minute drum solo filled me full of foreboding, but I was interested to hear how Glenn built Circadian Rhythm Disorder around this base point.

The musicians involved on this release are Glenn, who plays guitars, fretless bass, mandolin and keyboards, with Marco Minneman, providing the drumming and percussion.

Circadian Rhythm Disorder is a 24 track album with a total paying time of around 51 minutes. Fifteen of the tracks last for under the 2 minute mark, with “Slate Wiper Pt 2,” the shortest at only 53 seconds and the longest track on offer on Circadian Rhythm Disorderis “Seeds Of Doubt” which plays for 4:19 minutes.

The opening track on Circadian Rhythm Disorder, “Slate Wiper” (3:26) is an interesting piece of music based on the first section of the drum track. There is a fair amount of metal guitar riffing, interspersed with mandolin which draws the listener in, although the sudden change from acoustic to metal guitar can be a little jarring. This is a positive start to the album with a track that certainly hangs together very well.

“Seeds Of Doubt” (4:19) has a very atmospheric build-up to around the 2 minute point before the metal guitar appears in the background and takes over with bursts of machine gun like riffing, which unfortunately isn’t a style that keeps the interest of this listener.

“Seeds Of Love” (3:47) changes tack with piano and acoustic guitar setting the scene before the keyboards fill in the background. A good track, and indeed, I think the best of these early tracks without a doubt.

“Shards Pt 1” (3:21), “Shards Pt 2” (2:17) and “Shards Pt 3” (0:55) are based around the less metallic side of the music, with “Pt 1” using acoustic guitar and keyboards to provide a gentle, almost laid back, flowing piece of music, which does have a few tempo changes, but it is always satisfying. “Pt 2” has a superb piano to start and is again, in the gentler of the musical styles across this release. There are some excellent acoustic guitar themes on offer over the length of this track. “Pt 3” again highlights the piano, but at under a minute in length, is too soon gone.

Having listened to this album several times over the last few weeks, I am still not convinced that I like or dislike it. Overall I’m very happy with the gentler, more atmospheric tracks, but a little put off by the harsh metal thrashing. This is an album I may well dip into from time to time, but only some of the tracks.

As usual, this is a very personal view of Circadian Rhythm Disorder, and I would always advocate that people have a few listens before making their mind up.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Slate Wiper, Seeds of Love, Shards Pt 1-3

Tracks:
Slate Wiper
Seeds of Doubt
Seeds of Love
The Mirror
Mirage
Stumbling To Sleep
Daydream
This Is Not My Reflection
Smash The Mirror
Shards Pt 1
Shards Pt 2
Shards Pt 3
Nightmare
Running From The Dream
N.D.E.
Tunnel Of Light
Re-Birth
First Breath
New Life Pt 1
New Life Pt 2
Slate Wiper Pt 2
A Day’s Death
Completion Of The Cycle
One And All
 

Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson-Sr. Reviewer Prog Rock Music Talk

May 21, 2015

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Progressive Metal Review: Evergrey-Hymns for the Broken

Release Date: September 30, 2014

Label: AFM Records

Website

When it comes to making great music, there is no country who does it quite like Sweden.  It must be something in the air, because this northern land is not in want of talented musicians and bands, especially when it comes to making kick-ass metal music.  With their origins in Gothenburg, the same place that spawned such bands as At the Gates and In Flames, Evergrey have been at it since the mid-90s and are in their best shape yet.

Fronted by Tom S. Englund (guitars, vocals), Evergrey has seen a revolving doors of artists come through, leaving Englund as its only original member.  However, this has not stopped Evergrey, nor has it effected the quality of their music.  The rest of the band consists of Rikard Zander (keyboards), Johan Niemann (bass), Henrik Danhage (guitars), and Jonas Ekdahl (drums).  These are a great group of guys and it really shows on this fantastic and intense album.  

Hymns for the Broken starts with the short and mysterious “The Awakening.”  This leads right into “King of Errors,” which comes out with a sound that is loud and majestic and sets the stage for the rest of the album.  There is a real presence here with the soaring guitars, the booming drums, symphonic keyboards, and, not to forget, the harmonious vocals.  Everything just fits together so well and so smoothly.

Announcing itself with authority, “A New Dawn” captivates with its hard and crunchy sound.  The chorus really takes it to new heights, as everything is put into the vocals and it is just gorgeous.  Also, it has a guitar solo that will take your breath away. “Wake a Change” takes the album in a different direction.  It dials it down for a slower and introspective pace, allowing for a more emotional connection.  With its symphonic opening, “Archaic Rage” is heavy on the atmosphere and has an incredible instrumental part that really dazzles.   

The second half of the album begins strong with the exciting and demanding “Barricades.”  It is like the soundtrack to a dark fairy tale that will haunt your dreams.  “Black Undertow” carries on in the same dark vein as the previous song.  “Hymns for the Broken” is another towering effort, showcasing everything that is right with this band and album.  The music is dark and crushing, and Englund’s voice just towers over everything, creating that extra emotional affect as it is impossible not to hear the heart in his voice.  With the album nearing its end, the punishing sound of “A Grand Collapse” crushes it with its menacing atmosphere. Closing the album out is “The Aftermath.”  Its somber atmosphere and emotional yearnings are practically cathartic after previous songs and makes for a wonderful conclusion. 

We find Evergrey in fine form on Hymns for the Broken.  I think that there is not a song that I would consider bad or out-of-place on the album.  They have weathered their hiatus and line-up changes over the past few years very well, and created one of the top progressive metal albums of the year thus far.  I am excited for what these guys will do next. Until then, we have Hymns for the Broken to enjoy.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: King of Errors, Archaic Rage, Hymns for the Broken

Tracks: 
01.The Awakening
02.King of Errors
03.A New Dawn
04.Wake a Change
05.Archaic Rage
06.Barricades
07.Black Undertow
08.The Fire
09.Hymns for the Broken
10.Missing You
11.A Grand Collapse
12.The Aftermath

 

Brian McKinnon

September 10, 2014

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Progressive Metal Review: Evergrey-Hymns for the Broken

Release Date: September 30, 2014

Label: AFM Records

Website

When it comes to making great music, there is no country who does it quite like Sweden.  It must be something in the air, because this northern land is not in want of talented musicians and bands, especially when it comes to making kick-ass metal music.  With their origins in Gothenburg, the same place that spawned such bands as At the Gates and In Flames, Evergrey have been at it since the mid-90s and are in their best shape yet.

Fronted by Tom S. Englund (guitars, vocals), Evergrey has seen a revolving doors of artists come through, leaving Englund as its only original member.  However, this has not stopped Evergrey, nor has it effected the quality of their music.  The rest of the band consists of Rikard Zander (keyboards), Johan Niemann (bass), Henrik Danhage (guitars), and Jonas Ekdahl (drums).  These are a great group of guys and it really shows on this fantastic and intense album.  

Hymns for the Broken starts with the short and mysterious “The Awakening.”  This leads right into “King of Errors,” which comes out with a sound that is loud and majestic and sets the stage for the rest of the album.  There is a real presence here with the soaring guitars, the booming drums, symphonic keyboards, and, not to forget, the harmonious vocals.  Everything just fits together so well and so smoothly.

Announcing itself with authority, “A New Dawn” captivates with its hard and crunchy sound.  The chorus really takes it to new heights, as everything is put into the vocals and it is just gorgeous.  Also, it has a guitar solo that will take your breath away. “Wake a Change” takes the album in a different direction.  It dials it down for a slower and introspective pace, allowing for a more emotional connection.  With its symphonic opening, “Archaic Rage” is heavy on the atmosphere and has an incredible instrumental part that really dazzles.   

The second half of the album begins strong with the exciting and demanding “Barricades.”  It is like the soundtrack to a dark fairy tale that will haunt your dreams.  “Black Undertow” carries on in the same dark vein as the previous song.  “Hymns for the Broken” is another towering effort, showcasing everything that is right with this band and album.  The music is dark and crushing, and Englund’s voice just towers over everything, creating that extra emotional affect as it is impossible not to hear the heart in his voice.  With the album nearing its end, the punishing sound of “A Grand Collapse” crushes it with its menacing atmosphere. Closing the album out is “The Aftermath.”  Its somber atmosphere and emotional yearnings are practically cathartic after previous songs and makes for a wonderful conclusion. 

We find Evergrey in fine form on Hymns for the Broken.  I think that there is not a song that I would consider bad or out-of-place on the album.  They have weathered their hiatus and line-up changes over the past few years very well, and created one of the top progressive metal albums of the year thus far.  I am excited for what these guys will do next. Until then, we have Hymns for the Broken to enjoy.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: King of Errors, Archaic Rage, Hymns for the Broken

Tracks: 
01.The Awakening
02.King of Errors
03.A New Dawn
04.Wake a Change
05.Archaic Rage
06.Barricades
07.Black Undertow
08.The Fire
09.Hymns for the Broken
10.Missing You
11.A Grand Collapse
12.The Aftermath

 

Brian McKinnon

September 10, 2014

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Progressive Metal Review: Voyager-V

Release Date: June 2, 2014

Label: Nightmare Records

Website

If there is one band from the progressive metal that you need to get yourself acquainted with, it is the Australian band Voyager.   Describing their sound as “Australian pop sensibility with modern progressive heaviness,” Voyager’s music will leave a lasting impression long after the final chord has been played.  Hailing from Perth, Western Australia, Voyager formed in 1999 and consists of Daniel Estrin (vocals, keyboards), Simone Dew (guitars), Alex Canion (bass, backing vocals), Scott Kay (guitars), and Ashley Doodkorte (drums).

V is Voyager’s fifth album and to call it a masterpiece is not a stretch of the imagination by any means.  It is just another remainder of why I think that progressive metal is probably the strongest genre of music going today.  It is hard not to come away from this album impressed.  They have all the right moves with seemingly no missteps.  They are highly creative and know how to blend various influences into their progressive metal sound. 

Voyager knows how to hook an audience with its opening track.  “Hyperventilating” is the type of beginning song that gets one excited for the rest of the album.  It has the right touch of soaring metal riffs with pulsating drums and shredding guitars to get things popping. And then there is the chorus, which is just melodic and hypnotic goodness.  Following it up is the up-tempo, hard-rocking “Breaking Down.” It is another melodic and catchy song that is also has a very radio friendly sound.

With its energetic opening, “A Beautiful Mistake” is a vibrant song that becomes really memorable in its second half.  This is because of guest vocalist Zemyna Kuliukas and her hauntingly beautiful voice.  The blend of the two vocalists is astounding.  The short, spacey “Fortune Favors the Blind” leads directly into

“You the Shallow,” which is the type of song that seeks to destroy your ears from the beginning with some pulsating metal music.  The vocals are crisp and clear, as to be expected by now, and the tempo changes are done flawlessly.

‘Embrace the Limitless” switches things up, perhaps a little too much.  The synthesizer and the classic video game sound clashes a bit with the main rock sound.  I think that it is kind of song that might grow on some people after repeat listens, but not for all.  The synth-lead “Orpheus” makes for a great hybrid electronic/metal sound and the mixing of clean vocals and growls add a little something extra to the song’s atmosphere.  “The Domination Game” comes out killing it with some unrelenting metal riffs, which lead into a melodic chorus for the sprinkles on top.  The subtle and enchanting opening of “Peacekeeper” is like nothing else on the album.

The robust opening sets the tone for “It’s a Wonder.”  Its manic energy is electric and the sound moves fluidly between aggressive and melodic.  The hammering opening of “The Morning Light” is reminiscent of the theme for the Terminator movies.  It then moves to a more euphonic and uplifting sound.  “Summer Always Comes Again” is short and sweet and beautifully sad. “Seasons of Age” is a slow building song with a piano and drums before the guitar jumps in to spice it up.  The crisp drums end the album on a high note.   

Voyager’s V is the kind of album that makes people become fans on the first listen.  It is unique, sophisticated, emotional, beautiful, and so much more.  I cannot recommend V enough to fans of the genre, and to others, this is the type of album that will broaden your musical horizons. It shows these music veterans performing at a top level, which is on display in every song. Voyager is the type of band who push the genre forward, and that is always a good thing when it comes to music.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: ALL

Tracks: 
01.Hyperventilating
02.Breaking Down
03.A Beautiful Mistake
04.Fortune Favors the Blind
05.You the Shallow
06.Embrace the Limitless
07.Orpheus
08.The Domination Game
09.Peacekeeper
10.It’s a Wonder
11.The Morning Light
12.Summer Always Comes Again
13.Seasons of Age 

Brian McKinnon

August 15, 2014

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Progressive Metal Review: Voyager-V

Release Date: June 2, 2014

Label: Nightmare Records

Website

If there is one band from the progressive metal that you need to get yourself acquainted with, it is the Australian band Voyager.   Describing their sound as “Australian pop sensibility with modern progressive heaviness,” Voyager’s music will leave a lasting impression long after the final chord has been played.  Hailing from Perth, Western Australia, Voyager formed in 1999 and consists of Daniel Estrin (vocals, keyboards), Simone Dew (guitars), Alex Canion (bass, backing vocals), Scott Kay (guitars), and Ashley Doodkorte (drums).

V is Voyager’s fifth album and to call it a masterpiece is not a stretch of the imagination by any means.  It is just another remainder of why I think that progressive metal is probably the strongest genre of music going today.  It is hard not to come away from this album impressed.  They have all the right moves with seemingly no missteps.  They are highly creative and know how to blend various influences into their progressive metal sound. 

Voyager knows how to hook an audience with its opening track.  “Hyperventilating” is the type of beginning song that gets one excited for the rest of the album.  It has the right touch of soaring metal riffs with pulsating drums and shredding guitars to get things popping. And then there is the chorus, which is just melodic and hypnotic goodness.  Following it up is the up-tempo, hard-rocking “Breaking Down.” It is another melodic and catchy song that is also has a very radio friendly sound.

With its energetic opening, “A Beautiful Mistake” is a vibrant song that becomes really memorable in its second half.  This is because of guest vocalist Zemyna Kuliukas and her hauntingly beautiful voice.  The blend of the two vocalists is astounding.  The short, spacey “Fortune Favors the Blind” leads directly into

“You the Shallow,” which is the type of song that seeks to destroy your ears from the beginning with some pulsating metal music.  The vocals are crisp and clear, as to be expected by now, and the tempo changes are done flawlessly.

‘Embrace the Limitless” switches things up, perhaps a little too much.  The synthesizer and the classic video game sound clashes a bit with the main rock sound.  I think that it is kind of song that might grow on some people after repeat listens, but not for all.  The synth-lead “Orpheus” makes for a great hybrid electronic/metal sound and the mixing of clean vocals and growls add a little something extra to the song’s atmosphere.  “The Domination Game” comes out killing it with some unrelenting metal riffs, which lead into a melodic chorus for the sprinkles on top.  The subtle and enchanting opening of “Peacekeeper” is like nothing else on the album.

The robust opening sets the tone for “It’s a Wonder.”  Its manic energy is electric and the sound moves fluidly between aggressive and melodic.  The hammering opening of “The Morning Light” is reminiscent of the theme for the Terminator movies.  It then moves to a more euphonic and uplifting sound.  “Summer Always Comes Again” is short and sweet and beautifully sad. “Seasons of Age” is a slow building song with a piano and drums before the guitar jumps in to spice it up.  The crisp drums end the album on a high note.   

Voyager’s V is the kind of album that makes people become fans on the first listen.  It is unique, sophisticated, emotional, beautiful, and so much more.  I cannot recommend V enough to fans of the genre, and to others, this is the type of album that will broaden your musical horizons. It shows these music veterans performing at a top level, which is on display in every song. Voyager is the type of band who push the genre forward, and that is always a good thing when it comes to music.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: ALL

Tracks: 
01.Hyperventilating
02.Breaking Down
03.A Beautiful Mistake
04.Fortune Favors the Blind
05.You the Shallow
06.Embrace the Limitless
07.Orpheus
08.The Domination Game
09.Peacekeeper
10.It’s a Wonder
11.The Morning Light
12.Summer Always Comes Again
13.Seasons of Age 

Brian McKinnon

August 15, 2014

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Progressive Metal Review: Valence-Laser Baron

Release Date: 10^thJune 2014

Label:   Indie

Website

Laser Baron is the second release from the band Valence, following on from the debut release, Sleepwalker in 2012. The name I saw at one point was likened to “valence” in chemistry which has to do with the bonding power of an atom ( all over my head as in a previous life I was a Plant Physiologist) and the band “fuses or bonds” together metal, jam, classical and jazz to form a unique sophisticated progressive style. A terrific claim to make, so does the music available on Laser Baron substantiate this claim?

Valence came together in 2010, the debut release was two years later and now another EP puts in an appearance. The band is a 4 piece outfit comprising Michael Buonanno (guitar), Geoffrey Schaefer (guitar), Ian Morris (bass) and Chris Romano (drums). There is an interesting storyline to Laser Baron, in that it is based around a fictional scientist, Dr Mervin Taylor. The music will bring out the struggle between good and evil and transportation into an oppressed parallel universe, which is a lot to squeeze into 3 tracks. To parallel the music, the band is releasing a series of short stories, written by band member Geoffrey Schaefer, to further explain the full story of Laser Baron.

Laser Baron is a 3 track release with a total playing time of 17:14 minutes. The shortest track on offer is “Wormhole” lasting for 4:31 minutes and the longest track on the EP is the final track, “The Reasoning” nudging just over the 6 minute mark. (6:24)

The opening, title track, “Laser Baron” (5:19) is a full blooded assault on the ears with the twin guitars of Michael Buonnano and Geoffrey Schaefer doing what they obviously do well, powerfully backed up by Ian Morris (bass) and Chris Romano (drums). Some tasty little guitar riffs being thrown out here and there, but sometimes just about breaking the speed limit. At around 4:30 minutes there is a distinct change into a much more jazzy area, but with little time to evolve before the track has gone.

“Wormhole” (4:31) is an almost laid back spacey piece of music with some truly wonderful  guitar playing which, I will admit, was unexpected after the opening “Laser Baron.” As it progresses past the 3:30 minute mark, the urgency and the tempo certainly pick up and we are back into metal areas which escort the track out and into “The Reckoning.”

The final track, “The Reckoning” (6:24) returns us to the thunderous version of Valence so prevalent on the opening track. The difference this time round is that there are touches of the melodic themes from track 2 and the furious shredding style seems to have been curtailed. There then follows some excellent guitar passages, but the heavy metal thundering is almost palpable just below the surface.

Laser Baron, I will admit, highlights a style of progressive music which I would not class as my favorite. I find that guitarists who seem to like being speed merchants are notoriously difficult to tell apart, and thereby hangs the problem I found with Valence. I found parts of the songs excellent, and the musicians are obviously skilled, committed craftsmen, but unfortunately, I thought that much of what I was hearing was very generic in style and lacked the very factor they were aiming at, uniqueness.

Give Laser Barona few listens and make up your mind whether you want to create a space on your CD shelf, but on this occasion, I think I will pass.  An evolution from the debut release, but I still feel there is a way to go to get to where they want to be.

4/5 Stars

Key Track:  Wormhole

Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson-Sr. Reviewer Prog Rock Music Talk

August 12, 2014

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Progressive Metal Review: Valence-Laser Baron

Release Date: 10^thJune 2014

Label:   Indie

Website

Laser Baron is the second release from the band Valence, following on from the debut release, Sleepwalker in 2012. The name I saw at one point was likened to “valence” in chemistry which has to do with the bonding power of an atom ( all over my head as in a previous life I was a Plant Physiologist) and the band “fuses or bonds” together metal, jam, classical and jazz to form a unique sophisticated progressive style. A terrific claim to make, so does the music available on Laser Baron substantiate this claim?

Valence came together in 2010, the debut release was two years later and now another EP puts in an appearance. The band is a 4 piece outfit comprising Michael Buonanno (guitar), Geoffrey Schaefer (guitar), Ian Morris (bass) and Chris Romano (drums). There is an interesting storyline to Laser Baron, in that it is based around a fictional scientist, Dr Mervin Taylor. The music will bring out the struggle between good and evil and transportation into an oppressed parallel universe, which is a lot to squeeze into 3 tracks. To parallel the music, the band is releasing a series of short stories, written by band member Geoffrey Schaefer, to further explain the full story of Laser Baron.

Laser Baron is a 3 track release with a total playing time of 17:14 minutes. The shortest track on offer is “Wormhole” lasting for 4:31 minutes and the longest track on the EP is the final track, “The Reasoning” nudging just over the 6 minute mark. (6:24)

The opening, title track, “Laser Baron” (5:19) is a full blooded assault on the ears with the twin guitars of Michael Buonnano and Geoffrey Schaefer doing what they obviously do well, powerfully backed up by Ian Morris (bass) and Chris Romano (drums). Some tasty little guitar riffs being thrown out here and there, but sometimes just about breaking the speed limit. At around 4:30 minutes there is a distinct change into a much more jazzy area, but with little time to evolve before the track has gone.

“Wormhole” (4:31) is an almost laid back spacey piece of music with some truly wonderful  guitar playing which, I will admit, was unexpected after the opening “Laser Baron.” As it progresses past the 3:30 minute mark, the urgency and the tempo certainly pick up and we are back into metal areas which escort the track out and into “The Reckoning.”

The final track, “The Reckoning” (6:24) returns us to the thunderous version of Valence so prevalent on the opening track. The difference this time round is that there are touches of the melodic themes from track 2 and the furious shredding style seems to have been curtailed. There then follows some excellent guitar passages, but the heavy metal thundering is almost palpable just below the surface.

Laser Baron, I will admit, highlights a style of progressive music which I would not class as my favorite. I find that guitarists who seem to like being speed merchants are notoriously difficult to tell apart, and thereby hangs the problem I found with Valence. I found parts of the songs excellent, and the musicians are obviously skilled, committed craftsmen, but unfortunately, I thought that much of what I was hearing was very generic in style and lacked the very factor they were aiming at, uniqueness.

Give Laser Barona few listens and make up your mind whether you want to create a space on your CD shelf, but on this occasion, I think I will pass.  An evolution from the debut release, but I still feel there is a way to go to get to where they want to be.

4/5 Stars

Key Track:  Wormhole

Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson-Sr. Reviewer Prog Rock Music Talk

August 12, 2014

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Progressive Metal Review: Distorted Harmony-Chain Reaction

Release Date: July 9, 2014

Label: Independent

Website

I think that Progressive Metal is one of the strongest genres out there in music today, with no shortage of talented bands making amazing music that will still be listened to decades later.  Progressive bands are unafraid to take risks and push boundaries with their music.  Not caring about what mainstream sound is selling at the moment, they create music the way great writers or painters create new worlds.  Distorted Harmony is no exception, adding another pillar to this already sturdy genre.

Based out of Tel Aviv, Israel and founded in 2010, Distorted Harmony consists of Misha Soukhinin (vocals), Guy Landau (guitars), Yoav Efron (keyboards), Iggy Cohen (bass), and Yogev Gabay (drums).  Describing their sound as “a delicate combination of the complex progressive metal, the unique harmonies of modern Jazz and Classical music and some heavy shit,” Distorted Harmony established themselves as a leading progressive metal band in Israel with their 2012 debut album, Utopia.  Their sophomore album, Chain Reaction, seeks to build upon that foundation and launch Distorted Harmony toward global prominence.   

Their self-description is neither boasting nor is it facetious. “Every Time She Smiles” is the perfect introduction to the sound of Distorted Harmony.  The ambient opening gives way to a heavier sound in the beginning instrumental part for a perfect blend of harmonies.  Then Misha Soukhinin’s soothing voice chimes in to take the song to new heights.   “Children of Red” wastes no time by coming out heavy and unrelenting.  Its juicy riffs, funky bass, and catchy chorus make for one unforgettable song that will leave listeners hypnotized.  Songs such as “Hollow” are more traditional.  It is a straight-up hard rocking tune with an excellent guitar solo that stands out prominently.  

They also know how to let the music do all the taking with the instrumental “Nothing (But the rain).”  It is the type of song where the music is constantly rising, moving toward a cathartic conclusion.  Then there is the acoustic “As You Go.”  It is a beautiful sounding song, with thanks to those vocals that are so calm inducing.  Chain Reaction goes out with authority, as its final two songs are bewildering in their brilliance.  With its crunchy chords, crushing drums, and a sense of uncontrollable energy, “Natural Selection” is a progressive metal masterpiece.  “Methylene Blue” starts off slow and controlled, rising toward its eventual release half-way through the song.  The drums and guitar take over with the force of a conquering army.  It is off to the races with a cavalcade of sound before returning to the serenity of the beginning, which leads us out.

Chain Reaction is the sophomore album that every band dreams of recording.  The elegance, intricacy, and complexity of it has me thinking of some of my favorite progressive bands, such as Tool and Pain of Salvation.  This is no mistake, as these guys have proven that they belong with the best that the progressive metal world has to offer and Chain Reaction is the proof. 

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Every Time She Smiles, Children of Red, Natural Selection, Methylene Blue

Tracks:   
Every Time She Smiles
Children of Red
Misguided
Nothing (But the rain)
As One
Hollow
As You GoNatural Selection
Methylene Blue

Brian McKinnon

July 21, 2014

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Progressive Metal Review: Distorted Harmony-Chain Reaction

Release Date: July 9, 2014

Label: Independent

Website

I think that Progressive Metal is one of the strongest genres out there in music today, with no shortage of talented bands making amazing music that will still be listened to decades later.  Progressive bands are unafraid to take risks and push boundaries with their music.  Not caring about what mainstream sound is selling at the moment, they create music the way great writers or painters create new worlds.  Distorted Harmony is no exception, adding another pillar to this already sturdy genre.

Based out of Tel Aviv, Israel and founded in 2010, Distorted Harmony consists of Misha Soukhinin (vocals), Guy Landau (guitars), Yoav Efron (keyboards), Iggy Cohen (bass), and Yogev Gabay (drums).  Describing their sound as “a delicate combination of the complex progressive metal, the unique harmonies of modern Jazz and Classical music and some heavy shit,” Distorted Harmony established themselves as a leading progressive metal band in Israel with their 2012 debut album, Utopia.  Their sophomore album, Chain Reaction, seeks to build upon that foundation and launch Distorted Harmony toward global prominence.   

Their self-description is neither boasting nor is it facetious. “Every Time She Smiles” is the perfect introduction to the sound of Distorted Harmony.  The ambient opening gives way to a heavier sound in the beginning instrumental part for a perfect blend of harmonies.  Then Misha Soukhinin’s soothing voice chimes in to take the song to new heights.   “Children of Red” wastes no time by coming out heavy and unrelenting.  Its juicy riffs, funky bass, and catchy chorus make for one unforgettable song that will leave listeners hypnotized.  Songs such as “Hollow” are more traditional.  It is a straight-up hard rocking tune with an excellent guitar solo that stands out prominently.  

They also know how to let the music do all the taking with the instrumental “Nothing (But the rain).”  It is the type of song where the music is constantly rising, moving toward a cathartic conclusion.  Then there is the acoustic “As You Go.”  It is a beautiful sounding song, with thanks to those vocals that are so calm inducing.  Chain Reaction goes out with authority, as its final two songs are bewildering in their brilliance.  With its crunchy chords, crushing drums, and a sense of uncontrollable energy, “Natural Selection” is a progressive metal masterpiece.  “Methylene Blue” starts off slow and controlled, rising toward its eventual release half-way through the song.  The drums and guitar take over with the force of a conquering army.  It is off to the races with a cavalcade of sound before returning to the serenity of the beginning, which leads us out.

Chain Reaction is the sophomore album that every band dreams of recording.  The elegance, intricacy, and complexity of it has me thinking of some of my favorite progressive bands, such as Tool and Pain of Salvation.  This is no mistake, as these guys have proven that they belong with the best that the progressive metal world has to offer and Chain Reaction is the proof. 

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Every Time She Smiles, Children of Red, Natural Selection, Methylene Blue

Tracks:   
Every Time She Smiles
Children of Red
Misguided
Nothing (But the rain)
As One
Hollow
As You GoNatural Selection
Methylene Blue

Brian McKinnon

July 21, 2014

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Progressive Metal Review: Vangough-Between the Madness

Release Date: November 12, 2013

Label: Dissonance Rising Publisher

Website

Describing themselves as a “Brave, eccentric and chemically unstable… [and] a sunrise of melodic cocaine for your ears. A Pandora's Box of exotic flavors mixed with harsh textures that can only be described as human,” Vangough is the best progressive metal band that you have probably never heard of before. I would say that they are criminally unknown. Named after the famous Dutch painter, Vangough come from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and consist of Clay Withrow (guitar/vocals), Jeren Martin (bass), and Kyle Haws (drums).

Between the Madness is Vangough’s third album and it is one for the ages. It is heavy, dark, and a seemingly unrelenting release of creative energy. It is the type of music that gets better with each listen and demands your attention every time. Backed by powerful vocals, guitar driven melodies, and meaningful lyrics, Between the Madness is progressive metal at its finest.

The dark journey of Between the Madness beings with “Afterfall.” It is a kaleidoscope of sound, like a journey through a progressive metal version of Alice’s Wonderland. The music perfectly complements the emotions conveyed through the vocals. “Alone” is another striking song lead by its crushing music and powerful and personal lyrical content. “Separation” is like listening to some type of controlled chaos. It is an intense display of musicianship that will have you reeling when it is over.

With its excellent guitar solo, “Infestation” is striking in its display of power. The raw and primal energy just bleeds through the vocals, making for a lasting impression. Following it up is “Schizophrenia” and, at this point, I am convinced that I am in the presence of genius and am listening to a true masterpiece.  Vangough is not just about a heavy, intense metal sound. The serene “Between the Madness” is a great change of pace. A violin has never been more metal. 

The serenity is short-lived as songs such as “Vaudeville Nation” and “O Sister” bring back the energetic and potent sound to make for some amazing and unforgettable music. “Thy Consumed Flesh” is a thrilling instrumental with an absolutely punishing sound. “Depths of Blighttown” is a short instrumental with an ominous sound. “Useless” demonstrates what kind of interesting music they can create and that they can still pull out surprises this far into the album, while providing biting social commentary. “Corporatocracy” and “The Abyss” bring the album home with Vangough’s signature sound, making for an album that is completely stunning from start to finish.

Vangough”s Between the Madness is a like a soundtrack to a dark and twisted dream that I would never want to end. This album showcases Vangough in top form and performing at their peak. It is definitely a masterpiece and a work that deserves to be lauded the world over. I can see without hesitation that this is a top-10 album of this year. These guys are the future of progressive metal and Between the Madness is the proof.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: ALL

Tracks:
01.Afterfall
02.Alone
03.Separation
04.Infestation
05.Schizophrenia
06.Between the Madness
07.Vaudeville Nation
08.O Sister
09.Thy Consumed Flesh
10.Useless
11.Depths of Blighttown
12.Corporatocracy
13.The Abyss 

Brian McKinnon

July 14, 2014

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk