ECHOSILENCE

Unlike many bands that explore the 'jazzy' end of the metal spectrum, Echosilence is entirely void of the extreme metal influences that characterize acts like Atheist, Cynic, Pestilence, and Death. Instead, Echosilence takes the sound of a band like Fates Warning or Queensryche, and expands their style to include touches of jazz-based instrumental technique, alternative-sounding song structures, and catchy pop choruses. Distorted Horizon should sound accessible and somewhat familiar to most experienced progressive metal listeners, but Echosilence still manages to put their own unique spin on the style to keep the EP sounding fresh and original.

Fans of technical metal will also be happy to know that the musicianship is held to an exceptionally high level on Distorted Horizon, and the crystal-clear production allows the listener to hear every small detail. This is the sort of release that challenges the listener's mind as well as their emotions, and that's what a good progressive metal release needs to do in my opinion. Distorted Horizon may not be an 'essential' release, but it does come recommended for fans of technical/progressive metal. I'd be very curious to hear what Echosilence is capable of in the full-length album format, and hopefully this lengthy hiatus does not signal an end for this promising act.

"Views On Views" opens with guitar that almost echoes as synths wash in, bass then an all out assault before a minute.The best minute of the whole album. Vocals come in as it settles but then it turns too sweet for my tastes 2 minutes in. Kicks back in after 5 minutes but then the vocals and sugar are back.

"Distorted Horizon" is led by bass and drums early as vocals come in. Some power a minute in as contrasts continue. I like the heavy sound 5 minutes in that continues for a minute. "Information Intoxication" is alternative sounding early on until the vocals come in. Guitars get heavy at times. "Human Animal" builds to some aggressive riffing as vocals (sometimes processed) join in. It settles 2 1/2 minutes in then kicks back in.

I can't even give this 3 stars. Just not a fan at all.

Echosilence reminds me a lot of Dream Theater pseudo-clone band Dali's Dilemma, also a part of this Archives. While not trying to show of with flashy solos, catchy riffs and sudden structure changes are the backbone of the band and they pull of this very good, often switching from very heavy power chord filled passages to soothing and dreamy guitar licks. Also, the vocalist helps a lot in this formula with her clean voice combined with the occasional calmness inserted in the songs.

Kudos to the drummer, Risto Motus, because Echosilence also bases their music on catchy rhythmic drumming and this makes Risto play non-stop through all the songs, especially in the calm parts where his drumming is used more as a lead for the vocalist than the guitar.

To resume, Echosilence delivers a very catchy and enjoyable set of four song in half an hour yet it's not music that hasn't been done before in the Prog Metal scene. Should please momentarily Prog Metal fans.

3 stars for me!

The second of two demos made available by this Estonian band through their website, this collection consists of four songs. The overall sound is of tracks which are at or near their final form. By this time, female vocalist Triin Pata had moved on, the band deciding to become an instrumental outfit. Their music is difficult to classify, drawing in prog metal, fusion and post rock. Having evolved from a death metal band, the metal aspects are the most dominant, but there is plenty of melody in this the band's first professional demo.

The opening "Spectotation" is a five minute number which sets off frantically with Dream Theater like metal guitar work. For me, the drums are far too forward in the mix and rather too phonetic, to the point where they are something of a distraction. The absence of any vocals leave the piece feeling proficient but rather empty.

"Science hole" opens with a slightly lighter melody, which alternates with heavy guitar riffing. "Negative pocket" moves further from the metal influences, with suggestions of artists such as JOHN MCLAUGHLIN and CARLOS SANTANA interspersed with more rock orientated themes. "Square circle", the longest track, is a continuation of "Negative pocket" in terms of style. As with all the tracks here, the song is well put together and competently recorded, but ultimately rather dull and directionless. Perhaps the addition of vocals would have provided the stimulus missing from these selections.

In all, a reasonable effort, but it is hard to see the band succeeding based on demos such as this, it is simply too anonymous. The demo is currently available for download in full via the band's official website (linked to via their page on this site).

Echosilence evolved from Estonian death metal band Decease, the name change coming about as they decided to move away from that style in a more melodic prog metal and fusion direction.

The music here is post rock mixed with prog metal, and a little jazz fusion. It is entirely instrumental, despite the fact that they had a female vocalist at the time, according to the band's website. This gives the music a rather one dimensional sound based around the guitars, notwithstanding the diversity of styles which influence the band.

The riffing is strongly reminiscent of DREAM THEATER although the solo guitar breaks tend to be rather less note filled. There are also similarities with the music of EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY with the duel guitar themes, and the over dominant drums.

The demo's included here sound pretty much complete in terms of production. They do however clearly lack the focus of a vocal melody or even a keyboards interlude, anything to break the monotony.

It is difficult to see why the band continue to offer this EP in full on their official website. It clearly does not represent where that are now, having been recorded 9 years previously. It was indeed, time to move on.