» Metal Perspective
» Tartarean Desire
» Sea of Tranquility
» LaserCD
» ProgGnosis
» Jan-Mikael's EARS
» Oblivion Magazine
» From the Cave
» Metal Review
» Metalstorm
» Harm
» Live 4 Metal
» MetalCore Fanzine
» Metal Only Magazine
» Aardschok
» Eufonia
» Zero Tolerance
» Algoblast
» PowerPlay Magazine
» Mindview
» Mindview (Top 10)
» Radio 666
» Metalfan
» Ars Metallia
» Zware Metalen
» Concrete Web
» Metal Rage
» Pull The Chain
» Spirit Of Metal
» Zica Zine
» Raw Nerve Promotions
» Metalwave
» FishComCollective
» Heavy Metal Universe
» Prog-résiste
» Metallian
» Ondalternativa
» Radio 666
» Metal Rage
» Metalfan
» Rock Hard (pdf)
» PowerPlay (pdf)
» Prog-résiste (pdf)
» Aardschok (pdf)
» Underground Investigation (pdf)
» Metallian (pdf)
Progressive metal rooted firmly within the confines of its namesake predecessor, progressive rock, usually makes for an interesting experience, as the old styles from the likes Pink Floyd and Yes shine through. The case is almost in point here for British progressive metallers Linear Sphere on their debut effort, Reality Dysfunction.
The music is a definite throwback to the Dream Theater/Fates Warning pioneered progressive metal, with the guitarwork attempting to channel John Petrucci at times - especially on the first track, Reversal. Although the songs almost break into the ultramelodic, some compositions maintain a morose darkness throughout all the while being intensely technical, making for some blinding guitar and drum work reminiscent of The Liquid Tension Experiment, Office of Strategic Influence or even Spiral Architect. In addition to the old prog metal standards, they manage to infuse some thrashier elements in parts, as well adding a jazz fusion feel, highlighted by the epic From Space To Time. Singing was sparingly used on the record, with vocalist Jos Geron utilizing a harsh, raspy almost Billy Corganesque delivery as opposed to a more 'traditional' quasi-operatic clean style.
Odd time signatures, musical tangents and syncopated rhythms run rampant all over this record, and will delight prog heads who love to hear talented and accomplished musicians unafraid to prove their technical skills. The lyrics are centered around a concept, namely modern life and secret societies. The usual prog metal criticisms can be used, such as not enough variation between songs, although the acoustic 'Life of Gear' becomes quite engrossing and almost hypnotic, before spiralling into something much more sinister. The ambitious 20 minute marathon From Space to Time is a mammoth exercise in instrumental largesse, which makes it far too weighty to digest in one sitting. Part 2, entitled 'Bodes' is the highlight of the song using some great vocal arrangements and jazz fusion inspired passages, contrasting the rest of the songs' technical indulgence.
Reality Dysfunction is a good album in respect to technical and musical attributes, and takes a few listens to truly appreciate. There is a great basis to build upon, and the future might bring something even better from this talented group of musicians. Highly recommended for fans of technical or progressive metal.
Standout Tracks: Division Man, Marketing, From Space To Time Part II: Bodes
Rating: 7.9 / 10
www.harm.us