SPIRIT OF PLACE

To begin with, my congrats to all the PA community on the official debut of a new interesting band. It was classified as prog metal, guess just because the PA staff found no better definition. Tell me people, is the term 'prog metal fusion' at least potentially valid? You see, I think it may be closest to what we are dealing with in case of Firmament. Seemingly prog metal indeed, but with strong Crimsonian, jazzy and fusion hints, tunes and chords. Another moment to be noted is that Firmament's version of prog metal is prog metal with no keyboards (an exceptional case, isn't it?). And the third point I'd like to note is that it's prog metal not similar to Dream Theater. No idea why but it's commonly accepted to consider Dream Theater a founder of prog metal, though I was always sure that the year 1989 was later than the year 1983 (The Plague by Demon). Anyway, most of prog metal bands more or less imitate Dream Theater since 1990s. But Firmament doesn't. Absolutely. What they introduce to their listeners is a very specific and individual version of prog metal based on intricate rhythms and unusual melody making techniques with (apart from strong fusion elements) a slight but audible touch of Rush from late 1970s to early 1980s (Hemispheres, Permanent Waves, Moving Pictures) and - surprisingly! - even some echoes from Necromandus. The album's only (but serious) disadvantage is annoying drums sound & playing manner traditional for prog metal of Dream Theater/Symphony X/Rhapsody/Redemption type, hardly appropriate for the band's inventive and refined music. The result is an impression that the album is somewhat monotonous, though an experienced listener will surely see that this impression is false.