Artist: Aoelist
Album: Aeolist
Genre: Progressive Metal
Tracklist:
1. I
2. II
3. III
4. IV
Review:
Since the release of their first
single, "I", I´m fucking stoked for the first EP by the
exceptional band Aeolist. This well written debut track had
everything what you need for an awesome Modern Prog Metal sensation.
Founded 2 years ago in Norwich (UK),
Aoelist prepared the selftitled debut EP for all of you who love
intelligent progressive music. With their highly considered show at
the UK Tech-Metal Fest, this band generated a strong fanbase for
their eagerly-awaited debut EP. The artwork is
made by Alex Pryle from Dead Crown Design, one of my favorite artists
in this business. He also designed the covers for Plini, Point Below
Zero, Goodthink or Bleeding Skies.
I will do a track-by-track review for
this little masterpiece.
The first track, "I",
released some months ago, starts with a Protest The Hero-like riff
and tons of dynamic and energy. Passionate vocals, blasting drums
alternate with groovy patterns, and the chaotic, but melodic riffing
reminds of the the last BTBAM records. The first break comes along
with a brilliant and little bit frantic Post Rock part. The whole
song is characterized by dissonant leads and the amazing main riff.
After some crazy White Walls memorial sweeps, the track leads back to
the main theme.
"II" start with an epic odd
rhythmic breakdown. The first part of the song is really chaotic and
mathy, which progress a destroying energy. With the help of awesome
chords, the track guide you to a phenomenal Jazz part, with an
amazing solo. The remain of the song is a huge Between The Buried And
Me hommage, with a guitar solo, which would make Paul Waggoner proud.
The third track, "III" is
still in the BTBAM vibe, with every trademarks, which make Between
The Buried And Me to such a magnificent band. The climax of the song
is with no doubt the epic middle part and the harmonized guitar solo
after it. The second solo is placed in a classic Prog Metal part and
has some interesting phrases and voicings in there.
Last but not least, "IV".
This over 11 minutes monster is the heart of the whole EP, and
combines all the great attempts of Aeolist. Starting with this
awesome clean intro, the song shows the whole potential of this band.
Similar to some Post Rock bands, the track escalates to a
overwhelming Post Metal journey
a la Isis, but without forgetting their roots. My favorite part is
the smoothy and bluesy solo, with so much emotion, so much
intelligence, hand in hand. "IV is my favorite song of the EP.
Word.
After
listening to whole 29 minutes of this EP, I have only one point of
criticism.
Too
often I think about other bands, like Between The Buried And Me
(!!!), Protest The Hero or Isis, especially in the last song. Which
isn´t bad at all. But for the future, Aeolist need more
individuality and some time to evolve their own personal style! But
all things considered, this critique on a very high level.
So if
you love progressive music, buy this shit! The release date is
November 14th,
and the record will be availabe through all the well-known platforms.
