THE WIND, THE TREES AND THE SHADOWS OF THE PAST

I like a number of things about this album. First, it sits assertively near the boundary between progressive metal and post-rock, and while it is most definitely catalogued correctly, lovers of post-rock will find a great deal to enjoy here in the crunchy guitar and gentle, almost pastoral interludes. The album is reminiscent in places of AGALLOCH, ISIS, BEHOLD...THE ARCTOPUS and even CYNIC, albeit with balls with regard to the latter. I reserve special praise for the vocalist, whose full-throated screams, while not in the league of MICHAEL AKERFELDT's growls or JENS KIDMAN's vocals, still stir the blood and fit in perfectly with the music.

The Intro and Outro do exactly as advertised, and the middle three songs make up the meat of the album - and the three phrases of the title. 'The Wind' is pure, honest progressive metal, though with a post-rock feel; while enjoyable, it is by no means of OPETH quality. 'The Trees' begins in a space-rock fashion, emerging from a storm to deliver a genuine progressive metal classic, my favourite on this album. 'The Shadows Of The Past' veers nearer post-rock, relying more on colouring and atmosphere than frenetic rhythm, double-kick drumming and multi-layered guitars, and features' clean' vocals. Overall, the songwriting is the band's weakest point, with each song displaying competency without that spark of genius, but the sounds are refreshing and challenging enough to invite repeat listens.

The album is short, which is all to the good, allowing the listener easier access to this new band. Not only that, it can be downloaded for free. This fact leads me to upgrade a solid three stars to four: since it costs nothing, it will make an excellent addition to your progressive rock collection. Moreover, 'The Wind, The Trees and The Shadows of The Past' offers a great place to start exploring the grey boundary between genres.

Go get it. It's only a website away.

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