HARVEST AORTA

Oh wow wow, now we're talking about original sounding music boy. "Harvest Aorta" is one of the most pleasant discoveries of this year, really grabbing my heart. I've not listened this once, twice, but instead, four times in a row and a day ago, again. Guess what I'll do tomorrow morning (hehe). Strange thing is that this music reminds me (sometimes) of another E-xxxxx starting artist, Epignosis. Except singing, it's something that you won't find here much (more like never).

A funny thing is that this is not Metal at all, more like, well, I don't know what it is, maybe it would fell under category of Crossover, or even Symphonic (Epignosis is symphonic ? well, then what symphonic means in these two cases, it's complicated). There's no atmosphere we can talk about, it's more like collection of songs related (last epic) with weak linking, but I don't care about these donkey ears, it works and it's the important thing. It's a thrilling album, which means that they can shock without being brutal. Gentle barbaric traits to be said. Some ambient atmospheric (these words are synonymous, aren't they?) going on in the middle of the song.

5(-), but I'm sad that I can't rate higher. I wanted to, but there is too much of time where there's not so interesting music, trying to be "artistic" and like pieces of compositions, but in this, it fails. In other elements, it rocks (prog rocks)

Dedicated to my beloved Mary

EDIT: Still rock, changing rating

Ephemeral Sun makes their second studio album a unique but pleasant experience. It's hard to classify this as a genre because while it has the progressive metal sound with the guitars and all, it often goes into a more lighter prog rock tone at some points. The album starts out with Springsong, Prism and Memoirs which as standalone tracks are very well done. The shine of this album is of course Harvest Aorta. Keep in mind except for a few sound effects that are vocals, the whole album is instrumental only

Harvest Aorta is a 42 minute epic that has enough twists and turns to keep it interesting. The main part idea of the track is progressive metal, but in the track it features many solo keyboard/piano parts and about halfway through it even features an almost ambient sound to it which is really nice. I would go as far to say there is also a hint of jazz fusion in some areas of the song. This album is one of the best this year.

A highly polished instrumental album with definite metal or at least heavy foundations which does somehow keep one's attention and admiration throughout its exceptional length. The 42-minute epic, "Harvest Aorta" is quite masterfully constructed to never bore the listener, always keep him at the edge of his seat waiting for the next dénouement--which rarely ever fails to deliver. The opening song, "Springsong," starts off with promise, moves into a jazz fusion sound/style, some lounge, and some YES-like parts, but is, ultimately, lacking (the last four minutes are by far the most interesting). (6/10) The next two "Prism" and "Memoirs" are good, with some nice development, emotion, and catchy melodies (7/10 each). The epic is very good, not a hardship to listen to--IMHO, in step with its closest competitors, RIVERSIDE and PORCUPINE TREE (8/10). Great recording, excellent musicianship, very good song constructs; worth repeated listenings. 3.5 stars: rate up if you like heavier music, down if not. A nice addition to any prog lover's music collection.

This is an excellent album. I agree with other reviewers who claim this music is hard to classify. One moment you feel you've wandered into the studio with 60's vintage Pink Floyd, the next mid-70's Rick Wakeman, the next modern day Dream Theater. The broad styles applied reveals the fine musicianship on display and the excellent compositional skills. I'll have this record in the rotation for quite a while. There's much here to discover and the variety keeps the pieces fresh. The production is first rate especially on the magum opus 42 minute title track. This is clearly one of the best prog albums released in 2010 and anyone who enjoys well composed theme development and excellent musicianship should get this recording.

EPHEMERAL SUN's second release is an all instrumental affair that has received a lot of positive reviews of late and for good reason. The sound quality is excellent and the music can be heavy although I wouldn't call this particular release Prog-Metal. They do contrast well the heavier and lighter passages throughout as the keyboards and guitar lead the way.

"Springsong" kicks in heavily fairly quickly with synths helping out. Piano before a minute then it settles in with guitar and a beat.The heaviness with synths are back after 2 minutes then it settles down again quickly. Drums and synths lead before 5 minutes then it kicks back in with guitar. Again it settles back. It's heavy again 8 1/2 minutes in before settling back at 10 minutes. It sounds like sampled mellotron before 11 minutes as sampled words join in.

"Prism" has a nice heavy intro then it settles right down before a minute. It's building then the guitar starts to solo. It settles with piano before 4 minutes. It's much fuller after 5 1/2 minutes right to the end. Nice. "Memoirs" opens with piano and atmosphere. A change after 1 1/2 minutes as laid back guitar leads. It's okay. "Harvest Aorta" the title track is the over 42 minute closer. Like the first track we get constant contrasts throughout between the heavier, fuller sections and the mellower, lighter passages.The ending is humerous.

A good album that just hasn't clicked with me for whatever reason. 3.5 stars for now.

10/10

This quartet of geniuses is one of the biggest revelations of the progressive metal scene in recent years. You may never have heard of them, but I terie pleasure to introduce you to: meet Ephemeral Sun, an instrumental band that really won me over with his second album, titled Harvest Aorta.

Harvest Aorta is an intense musical journey of about 70 minutes it took me to ecstasy. Ephemeral Sun goes far beyond the pure metal: they absorb so many ideas, genres and influences is difficult to identify them. From Dream Theater to ambient music, going by Pink Floyd, King Crimson, jazz, electronic music, etc... there is a range of diverse influences. Thus, while the album contains elements that may sound familiar, it sounds absolutely original.

It is even difficult to speak of four songs, given the high complexity and ingenuity that they offer us. I will limit myself to talking about the members: John Battema (keyboards), Brian O'Neill (guitar), Charlie Gore (bass) and Jeff Malone (drums). Guys, congratulations! You are amazing! There is no delight in the passages marvilhosas organ, piano, guitar riffs, power and the low variability of beteria (though I agree with the reviewers who said it was kind of overshadowed by the production end, yet leaving no shine).

I recommend not only for metal fans, but for fans of progressive rock in general! Deserved 5 stars!