EVENTUALITY...

This is one of the only bands in the metal scene today (At least that I'm familiar with) who take this approach to technical metal / jazz / fusion and execute it with such skill and precision, while simultaneously making a solid musical statement. This album immediately comes off as a throwback to the great older bands of this style, most notably Cynic, as you will hear plenty of the intricately woven interplay between the rhythm guitars and drums as well as the jazzy chording, clean passages and atmospheric textures you know so well. At the same time, there are enough differences in their approach to differentiate themselves from being a Cynic clone, or any other clone for that matter, and that will also be obvious upon first listen.

Virtuosity on every instrument is indeed in abundance. The only thing that strikes me as weak at certain points is the vocal approach. Most of the time relying on a strong middle of the road growl (not quite in death metal territory) with occasional clean vocals, at certain points they just leave me feeling that alot more emotion could have been poured into the performance. While the vocals are not bad, I just want to hear a little more because I think this album is so great that it deserves it.

The most impressive thing about this band is that they can play in this style without sounding forced or like they are trying too hard to be "tech" or heady. It sounds natural and confident. Every riff sounds perfectly in place and every passage is extremely satisfying. Even during the most pummeling "metal" moments, they retain a certain level of taste and restraint that keeps the album sounding like metal that is all together on a higher level, rather than a standard metal album with a few twists thrown in.

Obviously, fans of Cynic, Atheist, Pestilence, and even Death will find lots here to get excited about. Also those into the jazz/fusion side of things will have their interest piqued by this album. Check out the absolutely beautiful intro to "Remote Viewing" for proof of that. A big part of me views this as one of the great albums in technical metal history. A landmark of sorts. Perhaps in time it's more akward qualities (the vocals) will become endearing (much like Paul Masvidal's "robot" voice) and I will be able to catalog this album right alongside "Focus" among my top prog metal albums of all time.

I was tempted to give this album a 5, but since I can openly say it's not "perfect" in all respects I'd knock it down to a 4.5. But for any fans of the afore mentioned bands, consider it essential!

since tech/prog thrash and death metal like this are one of my favorite genres i was glad to see a band like this come out recently. About two years ago i discovered these guys and i was extremely pleased. The bassist is nuts for the fact that he does vocals and plays this stuff at the same time, definitely reminded me of geddy type of player in a death metal band. My favorite thing about this album is that it REALLY sounds like cynic mixed with atheist, which are two of my favorite bands. The jazz influence is there and the music is played almost flawlessly. I loved this band from the moment i heard them.

"Eventuality..." is the 2nd full-length studio album by Australian technical/progressive thrash metal act Alarum. The album was released through Willowtip Records in September 2004. However there also exists a version of the album released through Earache Records with a different cover artwork.

Stylistically the music on "Eventuality..." pretty much continues the technical thrash metal style off Alarum´s debut full-length studio album "Fluid Motion (1999)", but adds a lot of progressive ideas and jazzy elements to that sound. The band have actually developed their style quite a bit even though their core style remains the same. They´ve also improved a lot as musicians since the debut album and there are generally some very impressive playing featured on "Eventuality...". Semi-jazzy guitar solos, fusion influenced drumming, and a busy fusion influenced bassist are some of the instrumental elements on the album. On top of that Mark Palfreyman delivers a relatively convincing vocals delivery with both raw and clean vocal parts. The latter vocal style sometimes reminds me of the vocal style and melodies of Helmet.

The sound production is relatively well sounding, but it´s got a synthetic sound to it that is probably an aquired taste. It´s also a bit unconventional as it features a sort of laid back sound, which is not something you´ll regularly hear on albums in this style. It´s obvious the band favour atmosphere over power. It´s not a powerless sounding album by any means though, it´s just quite different sounding.

Upon conclusion "Eventuality..." is a major step up from "Fluid Motion (1999)", which was an album that showed promise, but overall wasn´t really that great. "Eventuality..." is a much stronger release and even though there are some pretty clear references in the music to artists like Pestilence and Sadist, the album actually comes off as quite innovative and it´s a recommended listen to fans of technical progressive thrash/death metal. A 3.5 - 4 star (75%) rating is deserved.

(Originally posted on Metal Music Archives)