AN ERROR OF JUDGEMENT

It's early in 2018, yet Spiral key have already put a stake in the ground for progressive metal album of the year: it is going to take something quite special to be better than this. Formed in 2012, this is the second release by the band, but their first for Pride & Joy. The band features the distinctive voice and intricate guitarwork of David McCabe and the bass of Ken Wynne (Cut the Wire). After a short hiatus following on from their debut, they brought in drummer Chris Allan (ex-Malefice, now session/independent) and guitarist Dan Carter (Belial), and hit the stage in 2016 supporting a number of bands across the spectrum including Kingcrow and Votum. Back in the studio they brought in guests John Mitchell (Frost*, It Bites, Arena) who contributes a guitar solo to the track "Dark Path", vocalist Miguel Espinoza (Persefone) on "Possessive", while Dan Carter displays his inimitable style on the track "Sanctimonious". Interestingly there is no mention of who provides keyboards, which are an important part of the overall sound.

When I first started playing this my immediate thought was Threshold, and each time I played it I came to the same conclusion. But, that is more to do with the music and the style being performed, as when it comes to the vocal melodies they are undoubtedly quite different. But given how long Threshold have been at the peak of the prog metal scene in the UK it isn't surprising that another band from the same country has been influenced by them. The songs are hard, heavy, and always incredibly melodic and I found myself continuously being drawn back to this album. It is interesting to see John Mitchell being involved, as it shows just how much melody that the band are providing as his name isn't one that would normally come to mind when discussing this style of music.

This is something that those into prog metal really need to seek out.

Brilliant heavy progressive/progressive metal album:

Spiral Key created eight searing tracks featuring crisp, seamless, rich progressive music coupled with provocative, sometimes apocalyptic lyrics.

'An Error of Judgement' is their second release.

Spiral Key:

Spiral Key is David McCabe (guitar, vocals, orchestral arrangements) and Ken Wynne (bass guitar, vocals). Spiral Key are joined on this album with the amazing Chris Allan on drums who performs all drumming on the album and along with Dan Carter make up the band when playing live.

In addition, several guests provide other musical contributions.

Not really concept album, yet certainly conceptual'

Lyrics focus on some of the stark events of the times- and some that seem sadly almost timeless, like religious bigotry, closed-minded smug self-certainty, and mindless trust in those who don't deserve it.

There's a strong call to use of reason, and staying true to self in spite of many pressures to follow destructive paths.

My current favorite track, Possessive, along with Sanctimonious, embodies much of these lyrical themes, and also moves into the kind of musical grandeur and energy that makes this album, and Spiral Key, so engaging.

But the MUSIC:

I suppose if the lyrics were sheer blather, it might change my mind a little, but it's hard to argue with the compositions and musicianship.

Tight ensemble playing, lush keyboard work, searing and soaring guitars, thunderous bass, and crisp precise drumming, topped by supple, lithe vocals, and too infrequently, wondrous harmonies.

If there was one factor I'd change, it might be more of those harmonies, and more variation in the vocal textures.

I was especially taken by the way lyrics and instrumentation worked together, in a near-cinematic or operatic manner. There might be rugged riffs one moment, then orchestration that called to mind symphonic music.

What a satisfying musical feast!

My rating:

Four out of Five pristine pearls.