PHERSU

Rewotower was a nice suprise back in 2012 and a well-reviewed (and well-deserved) album. At the time of writing, about a year since its release, ''Phersu'', the band's third album, seems to have flown below the prog world radars.

What made Rewotower an exceptional album seems, to a degree, to be repeated here: catchy, yet peculiar, tunes, a multitude of influences, very dynamic riffs and compositions, edging more and more to progressive metal, and that character of a band. The latter possibly emanates from the near-eastern blend of influences brought to the band, which together with the Italian tempo produce something which is difficult to pass by. Even the cover of the album - a mutant mannequin/Persian prince? - tells a story, like it or not.

There is no doubt Profusion are a strange bunch delivering eclectic-yet-pop prog. This time the tunes range from 4 to 6 minutes, each telling its own story with some great narratives, linked pretty much to modern day life and challenges, and well worth exploring. Although acts such as Dream Theater come often to mind, Profusion manage to inject a much more playful approach to their songwriting, aided by the near-cynical vocal melodies. ''Snooze'' and ''Free Fall'' are strong riffy openers with catchy refrains, while ''Nomen'' builds up on this pattern with oriental melodies and accordions and turns into a folksy adventure after 2 minutes in. Then there's the more eclectic, Beardfish-y side of things with ''Masquerade'' and ''Vanity Fair'' and the much more mellow with ''Wrinkled Maiden'' (70's folksy melodies), ''Infinite'' and ''Forbidden'', which although strong lyrically, I would prefer to see less of.

If Rewotower was a 4+ album (and to my ears a more accomplished one), ''Phersu'' is probably a 4- but another worthy addition to your collection, which shows continuity in quality records from this band.

Best moments: Free Fall, Nomen, Veteran.