MONUMENT

Musically the band plays a type of music that is a mix of fusion and prog metal, with lots of shifts in style and pace, metal riffs and heaviness, but structurally it is all about exploring themes and moods rather than exploring the long melody lines. The band seems to be quite fond of staccato playing, and also likes to explore the odd disharmonic playing. As for influences and similarities I really can't find much myself, as I'm not very familiar with this brand of music from before. Canvas Solaris has been named by others as a comparable band musically.

For me, this album was a frustrating experience. The band play very well, and sound incredibly tight. It's obvious that these guys fit well together musically, and that they have played and rehearsed much as well. Although not being masters of their trade, the musicianship as such seems to be quite good, and the band sounds really good even when venturing into real complex riff and rhythm patterns.

I do have a problem with the songs though. The repetitive short patterns, often just 3-4 seconds long, are usually explored and repeated before moving on to the next pattern. The complexity of those patterns leaves little room for proper songs, moods and atmospheres as I like them personally. The songs here showcase the band's technical abilities excellently; but for me this is sounds more like showing off and making technical exercises and less like playing songs as such.

So for me, this isn't a good album. But if you like listening to good musicianship and finds that more interesting than songs as such this album will probably be a real gem.

I'm writing this review because i feel a great injustice was being done to any Progressive music fan who navigated to the Scale the Summit page for some advice on the quality of the boys from Houston's music. I first discovered this band on their myspace page (myspace.com/scalethesummit) and found myself listening to the three preview tracks so often that i realised that i had hit on something big as a Progressive Rock and Prog metal fan.

I bought the album at once, and long story short this highly talented quartet have quickly moved their way up the ranks to among my favourite artists.

Onto Monument.

The first thing that hits you is Shaping the Clouds, an epic technical metal journey that really creates a glorious mood. Pat Skeffington's drumming is stellar - The guitarists work around each other like the best of them, and the bass is just a part of the band as much as Chris Squire was a part of Yes's music. The album moves on and on the third track we come across Crossing the Ocean. Instead of the uproar of the first two tracks, CtO starts with a Canvas Solaris inspired jazz melody which ripples across your ears, leading you slowly into the rousing heavy guitar entry. i don't have time right now to go through every song, but other highlights of the album include Rode in on Horseback, Penguins in flight and especially the twin brother of Shaping the Clouds, Holding Thunder.

I read the 5 star/1 star warning when i selected my Essential 5 star rating and realised that yes, this album does deserve those 5 stars.

-It's their debut album (which doesn't really matter, given the quality of the album none the less, it just makes it even more impressive)

-The only reason i hesitated with the rating was because of certain production values of the album - some of it seems a little.. uneven, but that's not because of the skills of the musicians or the songs themselves, just the producer.

-It's truly something to behold as a full album, not just a series of great songs.

-The musicians show of their chops as instrumentalists without spoiling the song - it seems like they're less focused on solos than creating an overall mood to the songs.

So for fans of instrumental technical progressive metal or Progressive Metal in general, then check Scale the Summit's Monument out.

you won't regret it, and if you have any doubts then head over to their myspace (written earlier) and see for yourself. the tracks offered are currently Holding Thunder, Crossing the Ocean, Wolves and Shaping the Clouds.

From the get-go, the most apparent influence at play is Canvas Solaris. They are very fond of the technically proficient chops, riffs, passages, etc. that CS employ. Wolves and the ironically comicially titled Penguins in Flight, the former showcasing very progressive time signatures, while the former boasts Petrucci-esque guitar chops.

The drummer is particuarly gifted, playing very tight rhythms tirelessly. The bassist is very well heard, and his skills on the four-string are virtually unlimited and unmatched. The production is also very good for a self-financed album.

Don't hesitate getting this album if you are a fan of Canvas Solaris. Plus, you'll help STS save up for a tour van. :D