SIMETRÍA

Free albums are usually a hit-and-miss concept for me, and I'm sure I'm not alone in this. While there is occasionally a diamond in the rough, many cases tend to point towards the fact that the product in question should've never been "released" in its current state. I'll always snatch up free albums when available, but I'm rarely blown away like I was by Entropia's debut full-length, Simetría. This is progressive metal in its truest sense, filled with excellent riffs, melodic vocals harmonies, keyboard/guitar duals, and the entire ordeal. This album doesn't try hard to be the most unique kid on the block, but the end result tends to prove Simetría as a one-of-a-kind release. To say I'm ecstatic about this band's future would be a tremendous understatement. Simetría is stellar stuff, folks. The fact that this gem was released as a free official download just shows the cruel and harsh reality of the modern music scene. Give these Colombian lads a shot - you won't be disappointed.

As previously mentioned, this is progressive metal in its purest, unadulterated form. Frequent reference points are Dream Theater, Pain of Salvation (Entropia/One Hour by the Concrete Lake-era), and Fates Warning. Fortunately, Entropia never comes across as a clone band, and throughout almost all of Simetría they show a very adventurous attitude. The band's compositional and technical capabilities are almost unprecedented by bands this young. Calling Entropia one of the best, if not THE best, act coming from Colombia right now isn't at all far from the truth. Songs like "Epilogo" and "Simetria" are prog metal masterpieces, and many of the other songs are awfully close in terms of quality. As if the compositional prowess isn't enough, the musicians in Entropia often border on virtuoso-status, which is quite surprising considering how youthful the band is. I especially have to applaud Juan Manuel Gûiza's vocals, which can handle falsettos like Ray Alder and breathtaking harmonies and delicacy like Daniel Gildenlöw. Virtually everything about this band hints towards "prog metal veteran" status, even though their existence has been for only 5 years. I sincerely hope that Entropia has a label and a dedicated fanbase backing them up for their next release - they really are that good.

The production, while still sounding good, could use some improvement. Although it gets the job done fairly well, a more professional production could've really enhanced the overall quality of the album.

Simetría is definitely a promising debut album if I've ever heard one. It'd be worth tracking down regardless of price tag, but considering that it's a free legal download, prog metal fans would be foolish to let this hidden gem slip through their fingers. 4 stars are well-deserved for this promising young act. With the talent and adventurous attitude that Entropia displays here, it's hard not to wonder what the future will hold for them.