MILE MARKER ZERO

"Young Rust" EP (Self-released; 2014)

Reviewed by Jeff Rogers

Mile Marker Zero are progressive music. They mix in Tool, Dream Theater and have some Coheed & Cambria floating around their sound. Technically, I just name-dropped Mile Marker Zero among all those other progressive metal bands. These guys have a great sound and, since I'm always adding new stuff to my listenography, when I find a new gem I like to shine it up for others to behold. Their music is not predictable or tired but adventurous and that's what sets them apart and raises them above others in their genre.

This EP is just six songs and what an awesome taste of progressive music this is! I'm sure any fan of the aforementioned music will find something to dig with this Connecticut five piece powerhouse. EPs are great because you can spin them a few times to really get the full effect. I just looped this sucker while I wrote this review. It took me about an hour and a half to write it since I just kept listening to "Young Rust" over and over.

These guys have a previous self-titled effort that came out in 2009 (see our review below). They also have two other EPs that came out in 2006 plus a début that was released in 2004. I'm going to head back and check out their previous awesomeness. You should too. This is good stuff and we all need something fresh to fill our ears.

Mile Marker Zero - Dave Alley - vocals; Mark Focarile - keyboards; John Tuohy - guitar; Tim Rykoski - bass; Doug Alley - drums.

For more information - https://www.facebook.com/milemarkerzero and http://milemarkerzero.com.

"Mile Marker Zero" (Self-released; 2009)

Reviewed by Mike SOS

Connecticut progressive metal mavens Mile Marker Zero display a unique smattering of familiar influences on their eponymous 10-track affair. While footprints from acts like Queensryche, A Perfect Circle, Dream Theater, and Fates Warning are scattered throughout the album, this quintet manage to forge their own sound from the same rich prog launch pad thanks to exhilarating musicianship and tantalizing composition twists within a shadowy atmosphere sandwiched somewhere between Opeth and Porcupine Tree (“Passive”).

Showcasing the capacity to both wail away on a dime as well as show restraint when needed (especially on the vocals, as on “Crimson Red”), this group of classically trained musicians make the most of their pedigree by portraying an impressive array of delicate melodies and ethereal dramatics without losing basic hard rock insight, taking songs like “Peril Aerial” to new and exciting places without falling prey to usual prog rock excessive pomp and superfluous trappings.

For more information, check out http://www.milemarkerzero.com.

 

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.

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