ABSOLUTE ZERO

In the past couple years it's become increasingly difficult to find good instrumental music, let alone good music in general. But, Tetrafusion's debut album, Absolute Zero, could change that. Absolute Zero is definitely one of the best albums of the year?despite the lack of a singer.

The album is based on the concept of the universe starting with the "Big Bang" and finishing with the universe's demise, without a single word being uttered. The thing I love about this album is that it feels like an epic music journey from start to finish. Every song just flows.

For instance, the song "Dark Matter" begins with a cello and a piano playing together, and at 1:28 the cello disappears and a perfect transition to guitar begins without skipping a beat. Another great song on this album, and my personal favorite, is "The End." It's a 15-minute epic, and even if this were the only song on the album, it would still be worth $10.00.

There's only one problem with the whole album, and it's that at some points in the album the distorted guitar lacks tone; it's not that noticeable, and it rarely happens, but that's the only thing stopping this album from being a 10.

Despite the lack of any singing in Absolute Zero, Tetrafusion still does a great job telling a story. In the song "The End" the band has no problem expressing the feeling of inevitable doom and chaos. Even without lyrics, this song has epic written all over it. The thing that stands out on Absolute Zero is the amazing layering and transitions. I listen to a lot of music, but never have I heard a 15-minute instrumental song that kept my interest the entire time. Absolute Zero is definitely a modern masterpiece. Without a doubt, this is one of the top ten best albums of 2009.

If you don't get hooked within the first song, this album isn't for you. Absolute Zero is a definite buy for people who are into bands like: Dream Theater, Genesis, Between the Buried and Me, Yes, and King Crimson, or progressive rock in general.

Although Tetrafusion is amazingly talented, they have yet to have any real commercial success. That's the sad thing about music, the best bands are always in the shadows of bands like My Chemical Romance or The Jonas Brothers, so I ask that everyone help support Tetrafusion and buy Absolute Zero ? you won't be disappointed

Not so often you can find such an interesting work between post-metal debuts! Combining post-rock, metal and heavy fusion elements, this band is showing their fresh and energizing sound from very first song.

With accent on mood, atmosphere and technical musicianship, this album wouldn't destroy your ears with tons of heavy stereotype noise. Even being real metal band, sound is elegant and acoustic. You will hear instruments, breaks, melodies, not overpower.

Musically strongly connected with acts as Derek Sherinian, LTE or some guitar-heroes as Joe Satriani, band 's music isn't stepped too far on post-metal territory. All-instrumental album, having some fresh sounds and musical constructions, in fact is modern version of progressive metal more than post-metal band. You will listen this collection of great compositions without being bored.

It's interesting, than the band announced they are recording new album with vocalist this time! Could be really interesting work. I would like to recommend this album for all fans of instrumental prog metal as one of the most interesting debuts and one of great new band's album, released in 2009.

I don't know how I found this, but I am so glad I did. Everything I like in music is here: great melodies, harmonies, a good variety and integration of different instrument, and no annoying vocals. The production is sharp, and the music is extremely tight and clean.

There are a variety of different styles present on this album. The obvious first choice is progressive metal, as the majority of the album's sound is obtained through heavy guitar riffs. There is also a slight jazz fusion feel especially in the bass and in the use of keys, like in the song 'Gravity.' In some other parts they just have a simple progressive rock feel.

As far as the individual songs go it is hard to explain them on a track to track basis because they flow so well. I prefer to think of the whole album as one 57-minute epic.

Overall, Absolute Zero by Tetrafusion is nothing you haven't probably already heard, but it is played so well there are no dull moments at all. I wish there was an easier way to go about discovering this kind of stuff because it's so buried and unknown.

9/10

Normally I don't listen to instrumental albums/bands because I value the aesthetics of vocals, however TETRAFUSION is a clear exception with "Absolute Zero". This album is a varied piece of experimental and progressive metal filled with some jazz and classical flavor. Reminiscent of DREAM THEATER and the like (check out "Inertia" and "Momentum", riffs are very similar), TETRAFUSION has clear influences but still manages to keep the music fresh and exciting.

The intense piano and guitar-driven track "Gravity" is in my opinion one of the best songs on the album. Fast-paced trade-offs between guitar and piano solos with funky and jazzy passages and varied mood progression. So many styles are filled into a near five minute song. With the perfect ending I daresay it's a perfect instrumental.

Other notable mentions are "Inertia" and "Momentum" as I stated above. Some of the riffs seem to have been taken out of the DREAM THEATER book ("Sacrificed Sons" is very similar to "Momentum"), however that's not to say it's bad; they fit the song structures nicely and are impressive.

For a purely instrumental album, I'm thoroughly impressed. To write material that solely focuses on instrumentation requires the level of musicianship and composition to be exceptional; otherwise the music would be mundane and stale after a few listens without vocals to complement the mix. This is an excellent album and I highly recommend this to fans of experimental/progressive metal.