RIPPLES

Being in my late 40's, I still fantasize about what it would have been like to become proficient enough at an instrument to even try out for a band, let alone join one that that ends up with a recording contract and sounds half as good as these dudes. Averaging just 20 yrs old and hailing from Norway, Aspera has managed to drop a killer major label debut. Disregard the obligatory atmospheric 1st song, called Intro (how many times has a prog record begun like this?) because from that point forth, this develops very nicely. There is a level of maturity here that defies the young musicians and credit has to go to InsideOut records for producing such a professional sounding release. The songwriting is exemplary, taking the listener on a very enjoyable ride. I never felt like a song went on too long, or that the band settled on repeating a melodic theme till it was beat to death. Individually, each musician is given the chance to shine, It does tread that fine line between melodic and progressive metal but that's a good thing. Every now and then I come across an album that is capable if raising goose-bumps and this is one of them.........the guitar work here is very precise and edgy......punctuated with not overdone pinch harmonics (I love pinch harmonics!!!). Vocally, the lyrics are of the non-threatening old school variety.....no gutteral growls or references to the dark prince.........just thought provoking and interesting. Overall, a VERY solid effort. I know it's early, but this may be amongst the finest releases of 2010.