EASTERN HIGH
"Halo"
(Self-released; 2021)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
It seems there's been a lot more progressive metal out there these days and I don't know if that's just me discovering it or if maybe there's a resurgence. Regardless, you can count Eastern High and their second release, "Halo," among them.
"Halo" is a big sounding record with a universal atmosphere throughout. Its drum and bass are huge, driving most of the tunes with their sheer force. Vocalist Ola Svensson's sound fits the music like a glove. He just sings and adjusts his voice to the task at hand. There's not a lot of screaming or growling vocals on "Halo" (although they do make an occasional appearance) but Ola—like Cheap Trick's Robin Zander—is a man of a thousand voices. Especially on tracks like "Morning Star." And most of the tracks are surprisingly heavy. Sometimes you expect progressive metal to be a little ... I dunno ... thinned down, maybe? That's not the case with "Halo."
My favorite track is the head-banging "Notorious Enemy" but there's not a bad track to be found here. Things wind down nicely with the closing track, "Ashes to Ashes," which leaves things on a quieter note. Ola really shines here and, when the "heavier" kicks in at the three minute mark, it's the perfect cap for an excellent album.
For more information, check out https://www.facebook.com/easternhighofficial/.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2021 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
