Azusa for Tech/Extreme Prog Metal

Azusa is a multinational Extreme Progressive Metal supergroup formed by guitarist Christer Espevoll and drummer David Husvick (Extol), bassist Liam Wilson (The Dillinger Escape Plan), and Eleni Zafiriadou (Sea + Air). They currently have released two albums, critically acclaimed "Heavy Yoke" in 2018 and Loop of Yesterdays. Current record label Solid State Records provides the following description of the band's unique sonic aesthetic:

"A carnival of contrast, Azusa make captivating music with unconventional nerve. Uniting the complementary skills of its members, Azusa’s sound is a thrash-fusion tour de force. Can you imagine Kate Bush fronting Slayer; Death collaborating with Annette Peacock? These allegedly incongruent influences dissolve seamlessly in an alluring sonic alchemy. Uncompromisingly experimental, Azusa’s curated approach showcases each member's unique strengths as a reaction to previous endeavors, more so than an extension of them. Reflecting on life’s existential mysteries, Azusa’s lyrics seek to explore cognitive dissonances at the crossroads of upbringing, mysticism, belief and betrayal. Defying expectations by embracing contradiction, Azusa finds strength in vulnerability, harmony in dissonance and melody in discord."

The band's songs explore themes of Christian spirituality, inner struggles, and external pressures. These lyrics are complimented with music that is experimental, dense, intriguing, and yet surprisingly balanced, in my opinion. Of particular interest is the variety of vocal techniques demonstrated by Zafiriadou as she juxtaposes screams, clean singing, spoken word, and electronically treated singing from one phrase to the next. The musicianship by the instrumentalists demonstrates a compatible level of intrigue, as songs feature changing instrumental tambres and rhythmic patterns.

This band can be recommended to fans of metal that is all at once experimental, diverse, intense, and intriguing while also communicating messages of hope in spite of struggles.



Azusa on Apple Music

References:

Solid State Records Azusa page

Encyclopaedia Metallum

Thanks for adding the spotify link

Forwarded to the Progressive Metal team.

Thanks, TCat, and thanks to the rest of the Progressive Metal team as well