MOTHS TO THE FLAME

Astronaut Down is a new New York based five piece band that released her concept debut CD entitled God's Eye in 2006. According to the liner notes in the information sheet 'the music of Astronaut Down strives to achieve a balance between the depth and complexity of progressive metal, and the accessible energy of mainstream rock. Intricate polyrhythms and ambitious song structures coexist with memorable melodies and subtly-evolving thematic progressions, all delivered with conviction and unmistakable vitality. Their influences range from old school progressive rock to contemporary technical metal, from melodic punk to post-hardcore. Astronaut Down plays new progressive rock, focusing on the composition, with a dynamic range of material that appeals to a wide range of listeners. The key is balance, whether carefully unfolding an elaborate instrumental passage, or delivering an anthemic chorus'. Well, that sounds pretty welcoming, to say the least!

During my first listening sessions I quickly notice a huge dynamic in the ten tracks. Astronaut Down easily and frequently shifts from dreamy with warm vocals and twanging guitars to heavy metal and prog metal with blistering guitars and thunderous drums. A few songs even contain grungy vocals, like Colossus and Our Greatest Mistake. At some moments the music reminds me of Swedish progrock formation Anekdoten (but without Mellotrons) during the more compelling parts (like in Starfall). And the composition Dissection evokes King Crimson due to the repetetive guitar work. Although the emphasis in Astronaut Down their music is on a more heavy and bombastic sound, we can enjoy some wonderful mellow interludes.

An atmospheric final part in Interlude.

A warm conclusion featuring duo acoustic guitar and pleasant vocals in Our Greatest Mistake.

And a dreamy climate with sensitive piano, vocals and acoustic guitar and a fragile guitar solo in de final track Moths (Part 2).

I have to say that I am not up to the more 'aggressive' parts of Astronaut Down their music. But I am impressed the way they have found a balance between mellow and heavy music. Personally I would add keyboards in order to colour the music a bit more, but that is very subjective. Also because I am from the Old Progrock School and a vintage keyboard freak. Nonetheless, if you are a proghead who likes 'hard and heavy with a mellow touch', this is an album to check out.

My rating: 3,5 star.

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