ARRIVAL

Arrival

This debut LP release from St. Petersburg-based progressive power-metal trio really sizzles. I found it enormously fun throughout the nine quirky, rambunctious tracks, and right up front, if you want some progressive music that defies easy categorization but definitely has some spark- here you go.

The album was self-released May, 2019, and has a rip-roaring playing time just shy of 43 1/2 minutes. I doubt you'll get bored- I sure didn't.

Trappist System Trio

This trio has been active since 2017, and apparently consists of two fellows who'd worked together in one band, and the third in yet another band. They've apparently strayed a bit from their early intentions to maintain a "minimalist" guitar/bass/drums approach.

At least on THIS album, I heard lots of overdubs- and all to good effect.

Here are the musicians:- -Vladimir Kulikov / vocals, guitars - Dmitriy Prilukov / bass - Evgeny Trefilov / drums

With:

- Elena Feneva / keyboards [8] - Leonid Perevalov / bass clarinet [5, 6] - Ivan Rozmainsky / keyboards [1, 2, 6]. (surely one of the busiest musicians around- he seems to be everywhere!)

No offense to anyone involved with this vastly entertaining LP, but the guest musicians were hardly noticeable- with the exception of a few very cool baritone clarinet passages.

The Music

Crunchy. Quirky. Inventive. Entertaining. Scorching one moment, calmer the next. Then yet another ripping riff. Metal, yet like few other bands I've heard. For me although each musician seems more than competent, the star of the album is bassist Dmitriy.

The bass guitar sounded out with depth, resonance, power, precision, and some of the coolest tones and fills I've heard recently. Great stuff.

Guitars are no slouch though. Vladimir uses power chords, jazz voicings, clean tones, hot riffs in seemingly endless variety. I would truly hate to do the guitar work AND the vocal stuff he pulls off. Here he uses closeness, distance, intense, near-brutal growls, clean vocals, whispers, harmonies, octaves, and variations that keep interest high.

Evgeny's drumming is outstanding as well, with crisp fills and powerful hard-driving momentum when needed. This trio plays well together with astonishing precision for all the variety, odd tempos, and changes that occur on a dime.

Best of All

I had the impression these guys were having a blast with this album, and it seemed to me their inspiration is bottomless, deep and wide. They seemed to be the kind of people I'd want to hang out with, although they might have different thoughts about me(!)

My Impression

A barrel of fun with unpredictable twists and turns with few moments of calm contemplation. I think progressive metal people who like quirk and verve will find much to enjoy here.

Because the music is unorthodox and may not appeal to everyone, I rate it a strong 3.75 rather than a 4.0

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