CHARISMATIC LEADERS

WHEEL with TOOL, KARNIVOOL as musical imprints, melodies from COHEED & CAMBRIA, a sound eyeing TESSERACT for the djent sap.

"Empire" is a frank attack with a powerful bass, an explosive djent, swirling tune, a fiery riff and a clear, cold and captivating vocal; a brutal, hypnotic, disturbing alchemy like this apocalyptic finale. "Porcelain" sinks in with this viscous mid-tempo air on a melancholic background; alternation of the beautiful and the gruff, a zest of LEPROUS, a little of KLONE for this controlled fury and the rest on the melodic torpor of RUSH; the break extends in length, searching the corners for a while before returning to a metallic air from which catchy archaic notes vibrate in resonance. "Submission" with the percussive tempo forward; 5 minutes pass smoothly before the slow progressive variation where the vibrant guitar takes me back to the best of RUSH; the melodic, brutal prog sends a tornado message on one of the future potential progs of tomorrow with a disconcerting finale of musical fusion that my dear vintage prog friends will have difficulty keeping. "Saboteur" heavy imprint with the riff that kills, on a METALLICA in fusion, James reducing the musical power of his suave, captivating voice; the melody flows easily before the prog drift where the guitars release orgiastic scents, on DEVO thrash, KARNIVOOL, TOOL. A balanced musical hell which would not have its chronicle here without these hypnotic and "mantranesque" progressive convolutions; it seeps into every nook and cranny of your ears to sabotage any urge to resist.

"Disciple" with cello at the beginning, stomping bass; languorous tune dominated by the combination of clear voice and nervous riff, everything to make you want to stamp your feet, here I'm thinking more of the dark tunes of SOEN distilling a catchy, metallic air, capable of making your ears bleed with a simple riff and where the silence the resonance amplifies the musical invasion. "Caught in the Afterglow" arrives for the sinister acoustic interlude on a proven Scandinavian tune, a contemplative tune before a warlike storm and leading to "The Freeze" always in a slow, icy, metronomic tempo; paralyzed by global atrocities; a melancholy melody with acoustic reverberation which will swell and leer on the alternative dark wave current, the sound of the interwar period, I am thinking of KILLING JOKE; bam the violent break which arrives in fury, the aggressive riff, the guitar solo piling it all on a machine gun 12.7 tune; it increases and goes further than our darkest thoughts; the guitar reminds me of the destructive ROGUE MALE; dry drums, violent discordant rhythm, destructive, heavy, fusion of a KLONE which would have pushed further, of a current creative METALLICA for the apoplectic finale.

A powerful hard prog album experimenting with a new mix of violence and intoxicating melodies, which becomes a potential hit in this modern musical genre.(5!) Initially on Profil Prog.

Wheel is a Finnish progressive metal band formed in 2015 in Helsinki by James Lascelles. Since their inception, the band has stood out in the scene, building a steadily growing fanbase and receiving praise from both major critics and independent outlets. The band's sound, characterized by complex musical structures, intense riffs, and profound lyrics, has captivated many enthusiasts of heavy and progressive music.

For first-time listeners, Wheel offers a musical experience reminiscent of renowned bands like Karnivool and Tool. This comparison arises mainly from the intricate way their rhythms are crafted and the dark, introspective atmosphere that permeates their compositions. Like the two mentioned bands, Wheel employs complex time changes, contrasting dynamics, and a deeply emotional depth in both their lyrics and arrangements.

In their third album, Charismatic Leaders, the band delivers a torrent of heavy and intoxicating melodies, filled with dynamism, technique, and diversity. The album stands out for its combination of intricate riffs, challenging rhythmic sections, and rich harmonies, all anchored by powerful vocals. Each track showcases the band's mastery of progressive metal and their ability to create sonic atmospheres that are both intense and captivating.

"Empire", the opening track, sets the tone for the album with its fiery sound. Featuring a brutal rhythm section, energetic riffs, and compelling vocals, its complexity and intensity reflect the band's ability to merge technical skill with emotion, creating a powerful and engaging listening experience. This impactful opener exemplifies the essence of what makes Charismatic Leaders a valuable piece of progressive metal.

"Porcelain" offers an excellent interplay between refined and beautiful instrumental lines and brutal, raw sections. This alternation creates a perfect dynamic, where moments of softness and delicacy are interwoven with explosions of intensity and force. The band's ability to balance these contrasts demonstrates not only their versatility but also their capacity to evoke a wide range of emotions. This track stands out for encapsulating the essence of progressive metal with its technical complexity and emotional depth.

"Submission" is the first of two tracks on the album that exceed the 10-minute mark. Characterized by multiple well-organized and arranged ideas, the piece alternates between engaging melodic moments and passages of aggressive, intense sound. The band moves seamlessly between these different moods, offering a rich and dynamic listening experience. The complexity of the composition and the precision of the arrangements contribute to the song's emotional depth, making it a central and impactful piece within the album.

"Saboteur" is the album's heaviest track, opening with an impressive, hellish guitar riff that immediately sets an aggressive and intense tone. However, despite its raw power, the track also features a captivating and engaging melody, striking a perfect balance between brutality and melodic accessibility. This combination makes it powerful and memorable, establishing "Saboteur" as one of the album's highlights.

"Disciple" stands out with its edgy guitar riffs, pulsating rhythm section, and clear, energetic vocals. The band delivers a dark yet metallic and captivating track. The blend of these elements creates an intense and immersive atmosphere, where every component contributes to a powerful and memorable listening experience. Meanwhile, "Caught in the Afterglow" is a brief acoustic interlude with a sinister vibe, lasting just over a minute.

"Freezer", the album's closing track and the second song to surpass the 10-minute mark, begins modestly with a melancholic melody that gradually evolves into something violent and destructive, maintaining a dark atmosphere throughout its progression. The track's gradual transformation from an introspective opening to an explosion of intensity showcases excellent narrative development, emotionally resonant and complex. It's a stunning conclusion to the album, leaving a lasting impression by blending delicacy and brutality in a breathtaking composition. A truly apotheotic end to the record.

Progressive metal can sometimes fall into the stereotype of overly technical musicianship that may deter listeners who perceive the genre as soulless or emotionally cold. However, Charismatic Leaders breaks this mold, avoiding excesses or showmanship and keeping the listener deeply engaged with impactful melodies. The album balances technical complexity with accessibility, crafting sophisticated and inviting pieces. This balance appeals not only to progressive metal aficionados but also to newcomers, who may be surprised by the album's dramatic depth and melodic clarity.