ANYWHERE BUT HOME

DROPSHARD attracted my attention due to an interesting mix of (prog) styles in general. And indeed ... although labeled as a heavy rock respectively prog metal band, in my opinion they often come close to Mirek Gil's Believe project in style. This means, when listening to their debut, you'll stumble upon powerful impressions with heavy guitar riffs as well as many sections built-up by more charming melodic elements. No matter what happens ... Enrico Scanu's vocals are convincing in any case.

Basically 'Anywhere But Home' is made of two songs, the eponymous suite consisting of eight segments plus one additional bonus track. Not that this should be important for me ... but I can't find anything which would point to their Italian origin. First they Look Ahead when offering a melancholic intro with great vocal harmonies and orchestral keyboard strings. This fades into the core segment decorated with a memorable main melody - and sums up my introduction from a stylistical point of view - virtuoso moments featuring crashing guitars and powerful rhythm branch are alternating with heart-wrenching melodic impressions - fantastico!

And this basically perpetuates furthermore. Well put keyboard, piano, synth input by Tommaso Selleri all over, which manifested finally because I took the time for several listening sessions. Images Of Mind comes up with some really tricky moments. Acoustic guitars and nice vocal harmonies again are dominating the short ballad Again where A New Beginning comes from the metal side of life distinctly. The bonus track superficially bears a more straightforward rocking behaviour then, but you won't miss some complex and cunning approach too.

All in all this thoroughly could also be labeled as heavy neo prog, if you ask me. Technically played on a high level 'Anywhere But Here' is a recommended output, entertaining due to a carefully thought out concept concerning the musical flow. Fans of Polish neo prog should have a try here, as well as lovers of heavier bands in the vein of Riverside and Dream Theater - solid 4 stars finally, basta!