DAMASCUS

The EP opens with a short track entitled "Ambition" that does not really stand out, but kindly accommodates the listener to what is to come. Along comes "Schematics" and everything goes up in flames; "Interference" only throws more wood into the raging fire. With these two tracks the band confirms that the outstanding bits of the first EP (e.g. "Mokujin") did not happen by chance.

Sitting somewhere between Math Rock and Heavy Metal, Damascus' sound is remarkably fresh, projecting a sense of vanguard that is hard to come by these days. And all is created with the traditional Heavy Metal line up: drums, bass and two guitars; vocals is the only thing missing.

Most striking in Damascus' sound is its subtleness. It is not straightforward, but not complex either, and the musicians seem totally uninterested on bare displays of musicianship or technical skill. Songs are composed by a series of riffs and melodies that gently morph from one into the following, where often one guitar takes an head step with the second insisting on the previous phrase a while longer. Occasionally, a more refined melody breaks unexpectedly this scheme, charmingly surprising the listener. The kind of songs that can be listened over and over again.

With "Of Whom I Always Think" Damascus definitely created a sonorous identity of its own, opening the paths the band would trail with its LPs.

[i]P.S.: The LPs recorded by Damascus (in 2013 and 2014) are not featured in the ProgArchives databased, but are a mandatory listen to appreciators of heavier Math Rock.[/i]