SPIRAL ARCHITECT
"A
Sceptic's Universe" (Sensory)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
Spiral Architect is a prime example of what "thinking man's metal"
means. "A Sceptic's Universe" is what happens when technical ability meets willingness to push the boundaries of progressive, yet
accessible, metal. And, yes, let's be clear, this is progressive metal not like
some of the progressive rock that's been reviewed on Rough Edge lately.
The near-inscrutable arrangements come off like early-era Rush on massive doses of steroids.
"Excessit" and "Conjuring Collapse" are only two of the tracks that are sure to get your mind racing
and your heart pumping with odd-meter time signatures. "Insect" is a fucked-up,
sprawling loose cannon of a song that is tied together quite nicely by song's end. "Fountainhead" ends the CD with
a perfect blend of progressive arrangements and metal's traditional chugga-chugga riffing.
What makes this CD really special is the vocals. The vocals are very unique and literally flow over
the progressive madness that lies underneath. It rare to hear a progressive band that utilizes a great,
unique, progressive vocal style.
Overall, in my own mind, "A Sceptic's Universe" will join the ranks of
Fates Warning's "Perfect Symmetry" and the self-titled CD from Damn The Machine as wonderful examples of what metal can
be outside of mainstream restrictions.
Fans of Cynic and Watchtower, rejoice, for Spiral Architect have come to further the progressive
legacy!
"A Sceptic's Universe" was produced by Neil Kernon (Queensryche, Dokken,
Skrew).
Spiral Architect is Oyvind Haegland on vocals, Steinar Gundersen on
guitar, Kaj Gornitzka on guitars, Lars K. Norberg on bass, and Asgeir Mickelson on drums. Sean Malone (Gordian Knot)
contributes stick to "Occam's Razor."
For more information visit http://www.spiralarchitect.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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Revised: 01 Dec 2019 12:47:30 -0500.
