TERRAPIN

US band OUTRUN THE SUNLIGHT was formed back in 2011, and from their base in Chicago they have launched a good handful of EPs and singles since then, as well as two full length studio albums. "Terrapin" is the most recent of the latter, and was self released in 2014.

It's always interesting on some level or other to come across bands that mix and blend elements in a more or less unusual manner. This instrumental band from the US is a good example of that, and while I do suspect that their variety of progressive metal is one with more of a niche appeal, they are well aware of what they want to do, how to achieve it and executes it with good quality as well.

Wandering, ever changing and constantly developing compositions is the forte of this band. The compositions ebb and flow in pace, intensity and mood, only rarely exploring a set theme or lead motif extensively, instead opting to constantly move forward. Classic progressive metal combinations of guitar riffs and keyboards do have their place just as much as delicate interludes of a more ambient nature. Dark, almost oppressive chugging riff cascades alternate quite nicely with sequences with a lighter, flowing expression with plenty of leeway for keyboard textures and delicate guitar fluctuations, and the rhythm department chimes in with appropriate backing at all times.

The peculiarities of this band is that they also add in a few additional elements. Nervously echoing, plucked guitars as well as the more dramatic, swirling light toned guitars layers that both have a strong post-rock aesthetic to them are recurring elements throughout, and on a lesser scale there are also some instances of the darker, bouncy guitar riffs that I mainly associate with djent. That these two also combines from time to time merits a mention, and also that the band blends those two expressions rather nicely indeed.

Personally I didn't get all that much out of this album, as I didn't really find any of the compositions to be that appealing. This perhaps because I get the feeling that this is a production that operates out from a more technical foundation than an emotional one, where the greater majority of the material is dominated by a constantly changing nature. Those find of quirky, technical progressive metal should find this album to be of general interest however, and then especially those who find themselves intrigued by a band that adds post-rock and djent flavoring to the proceedings.