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Scorching Progressive Metal

French quintet SPHERIC UNIVERSE EXPERIENCE has returned after a decade since their last release to offer this science fiction concept album, and it's an absolute stunner. With superb drummer Romain Goulan joining the founding two members guitarist Vince Benaïm and bassist John Drai, gutsy vocalist Franck Garcia, and keyboard wizard Fred Colombo, SPHERIC UNIVERSE EXPERIENCE holds its own with the top-tier progressive metal bands in this genre.

No Weak Links

No Sir! Starting with those signature synth lines in "On Board", and then the crunchy, heavy-hitting riffs Vince brings to bear, the band reveals the strengths that bring this album into startling focus, from track one and through the final grand, near symphonic textures of the closing track.

"Final Fate" opens with complex riffs propelled by that gutsy guitar, ominous keyboards, and such hard-rockin' verve that rarely gives way throughout. Franck's clean, clear, high voice commands attention at once, and he shows a range of emotions during this album, from angry intensity to tender wistfulness. On this track there are harmonies- to my ears back in the mix a bit far- and acoustic piano, one of the contrasting highlights of the entire album. John's crunchy bass guitar tones punch through and catch the ear. And those wild riffs!

"Where We Belong"

Here's one of my favorite tracks, along with "Transcending", "Defenders of Light", and the final track, "Dreams Will Survive".

On "Where We Belong", the heavy guitar opens leading to complex guitar/synth riffs, and again the acoustic piano twinkles. I love the near-symphonic grandeur that develops out of a sweet classical-style acoustic piano passage, that builds, shifts into a synth lead line, and fades with vocalizing lines that are almost playful.

"Transcending" opens with John's funky deep bass line with percussive instruments, gutsy guitar, and some more funky bass lines. There's a brief dreamy/wistful passage, then shifting into crisp synth/guitar lines, with ever- passionate drumming.

"Senses Restored"

This track was my least favorite, with elements of electronica and less compelling intensity. I appreciated the wandering fretless bass lines, and a brief instrumental passage with spiky guitars, and a chance for Franck to use a more tender voice over melancholy acoustic piano.

"Legacy" was my second least-favorite opening with picked fairly-clean guitar, and adding some punchy guitar licks with crisp drumming alongside. The track did build into some pretty good heavy guitar/bass passages, and there were nice vocal harmonies here too.

"Defenders of Light"

From this track through until the close of the album, I thought the cinematic aspects were highlighted. For instance this track opens with space sounds, then the full band crashes in, with an absolutely ferocious intensity and an edgy aggressive vocal. I love the mean down-tuned guitar riffs and one of the highlights of this album was a thread throughout of just smoking unison guitar/bass/ and sometimes synth licks during which drumming was amazing, bringing power and verve and fire.

The following two tracks, "Synchronicity" and "Absolution, Part 1" were connected, featuring space sounds and distant ominous electronic sounds, more of the cinematic sense I mentioned. That shifts into "Absolution, Part 1" in which twinkling sequenced synth lines lead to a mystic, grand choral sound, that builds into a majestic, imperial darkness.

"Absolution, Part 2" brings it all to the table- grand choral passion, an intense build with hard-driving vocals and complex riffs, with some nifty guitar/synth lines. I got a sense of progressive power metal in this track with double- bass drumming, power chords and a neat guitar solo. The synth takes a lead here as well.

"Rebirth" and "Of The Last Plague"

These two tracks seemed intertwined as well, opening with ominous space sounds and a tragic astronomer's reverie about his uncertain fate.This leads into a simmering, then ferociously intense passage with searing guitar and bass, which continue in "Of The Last Plague". There are intense vocals, plus a dark/deep mechanical voice which leads into my favorite of Vince's guitar solos. There is plenty of crunchy bass guitar and frenetic drumming- these guys never let up.

And Then...

"Dreams Will Survive". I had the feeling lyrics would have been a welcome explanatory piece to this album, but couldn't find them, and didn't hear from the band in time for this review. This track is a slow-burner, building from a wistful melody, with added bass guitar a bit later, that lovely acoustic piano, and hushed vocals, and exquisite drumming, always tasteful and colorful. Crunchy guitar and bass lines in a complex unison line build into symphonic grandeur. There's an eerie synth line with deliberate vocals developing grandeur yet again, and "I'm not afraid to die/ Dreams will survive"...and close.

Closing Thoughts

SPHERIC UNIVERSE EXPERIENCE has returned with a stunning, scorching progressive metal album that shows tremendous vigor, creativity, musicianship, with complex arrangements and crystalline production. And that acoustic piano!

My rating: 4.25/5 stellar symphonies