CHRONICLES OF THE WAKING DREAM

Arcane are one of those bands that walks the fine line between Progressive Rock and Metal. Their selection to be place in Heavy Prog is clearly indicative of this as they are usually deemed to be a Progressive Rock act. Classifications aside, this is a simply beautiful album.

The album is grounded heavily in the narrative of a protagonist who assumably is of questionable mental state and his fascinations with a mystery surrounding the date, May 26. Even upon listening to the album a multitude of times, it is rather confronting and complex of a concept to truly comprehend, which is definitely not helped without the aid of a lyric booklet.

The lyrical and vocal delivery of singer Jim Grey is pleasant and engaging, yet it holds a captivating mystique that is communicated through the diverse usage of a variety of vocal timbres from smooth middle range, ethereal falsetto remiscent of Ian Kenny of Karnivool and aggressive roar yells in the upper register.

Building upon the luscious vocal melodicism crafted by Grey, the band experiments with key themes introduced early on the record throughout the entirety of the album to craft a piece that is truly unified.

The diverse keyboard palette of Matt Martin is one of the true bridging elements between rock and metal which adds to the schizophrenic identity Arcane have been come to know for in Progressive circles. From the expressive piano of 'The Malice' to the epic orchestral build of 'Fading', this is a truly tasteful player to keep an ear out for.

It is important to not devalue the contributions of the remaining band members as they all play a significant role in making 'Chronicles of the Waking Dream' the refined work it is. Perhaps this is the key to Arcane's success compositionally; having a band with a unique and giften singer that positively gels with the equal and paramount musical contributions of the rest of the band.

'Chronicles of the Waking Dream' is a masterpiece of Progressive Metal that exudes heart and soul and bears no pretense to some of the hacks that have surfaced in the recent years of the genre. This is quite possibly the best Australian Metal release to date. My only hope is to further fathom the detailed concept that underlies this brilliant album.

My personal recommendations: 'Secret'. 'Fading' and 'Asylum: Acolyte Zero'.