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Austin, Texas is generally not regarded as a hotbed for progressive
music; but it is the place called home for the members of Ethereal
Architect. The band is the project of guitar player David Glass, who
started assembling the band in 2005. The current line-up was established
in 2006, and in January 2008 their debut album was released.
Musically we're talking progressive metal in this case, but with a few
twists to the generic formula many bands follow. The general sound of
the band have more in common with European power metal than progressive
metal for starters; with a distinct epic heavy metal sound in most
tunes. Harmony guitar soloing not unlike Iron Maiden in style
is an element strengthening those heavy metal influences, and quite a
few guitar solo segments with a distinct neo-classical tinge to them is
another part of the picture here that have more power than progressive
association to it.
The progressive elements here are mainly in structure, many of the
compositions are a tad more complex than what is normal in heavy metal
or even power metal circles. Changes in pace, in style and in mood are
common traits to many tunes here, quirky riff patterns and keyboards
that at times have functions beyond fleshing out the soundscapes are
other parts of the whole here that clearly is more of a progressive
nature.
The vocals are clearly not heavy metal or power metal in style at all,
as the style of vocalist Contreras is one of relaxed, controlled and
melodic delivery. No screaming, screeching or wailing here - just
controlled singing. Which is rare even in progressive metal; and totally
unheard of in heavy metal and power metal.
This makes for an interesting sound to the album overall, and a rather
unique one at that. In fact only one other band comes to mind when
listening to this album, a Norwegian act called Age of Silence. So fans
of them might take notice of this release, many of them should enjoy
this release.
Ethereal Architect is a talented outfit. They still need to develop as
songwriters, and a better production would suit them well, but overall
this is an enjoyable and fascinating debut worthwhile checking out by
fans of melodic progressive, power and heavy metal - and fans of bands
similar to Age of Silence in particular.
Rating: 7 (out of 10)
Reviewer: Olav Björnsen
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Discography
Dissension (2008) |
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