TRANSVERSAL

Now it occurs that I actually will write some words about the final album coming from this band. Yep, recently they have announced their disbanding. Yet, most certainly, it was the decision of mastermind Rich Gray (formerly Rich Hinks), I would say. He's the one who has initated this prog metal project AEON ZEN back in 2008. It was the excellent 2012 album 'Enigma' which caught my attention especially. I really liked it. The following productions though didn't light a new fire anymore. Filed by me under technically too clean and overambitious, if I remember it right. Anyhow, on this occasion, concerning the main appeal, the provided epic suite Transversal somehow showcases a throw back, in a positive sense of course. The compositions included are touching me all the way through again.

And so this actually may provide a perfect closure to the band's history, but alternatively could be a strong argument for a continuation in the same way. For Rich Gray 'Transversal' means 'now it's time to make a change'. One may regret that, okay, but it's not to us to question this move. Period. Alistair Bell (lead guitar) and drummer Steve Burton are on board here again. Furthermore, excellently arranged vocals provided with slight opera feel are predominantly coming from Andi Kravljaca as usual. Concerning some choir arrangements you will detect Tom de Witt being involved, and this goes for the cover picture too. Which is intended to showcase elements of every previous band album artwork. Well, I still have to try harder. Musically they are drawing on influences from Dream Theater, Cynic, Threshold, Symphony X and similar bands acting in best form.

EP or regular album? - this goes for a total playing time of 30 minutes. A suite is recommended to be handled in one go, of course. Consequently all parts are fading into each other. Let me file this under bombast prog metal in its entirety. Here we have a highly entertaining chain of song pearls. Featuring much drama appeal and serving some Queen touch, slicing and crashing guitars all over, powerful rhythm section, and ambitious multi-layered vocal arrangements. The opener Twilight alone marks a best prove concerning trickiness and beauty. And furthermore the album's flow is simply amazing! Just as if they have kept the best until the end, their masterpiece, nothing else. Chapeau! 'It still lasts forever ...', yeah, the closing song sums it all up. Bye AEON ZEN, and Happy Beginnings for the new era, Rich!