EPITAPH

I got to hear this album after I accidentally confused them with the German Epitaph, either way it was all good. First off, the album doesn't have the best audio quality one would be accustomed with big name bands, it was certainly done in a studio but there's something about the sound that's missing, nothing important really, the music outshines the production. According to the band, the album deals with the non-humane aspect of humans. It is by no means a concept album but it does share a common theme throughout, kind of like Octavarium or Fear Of A Blank Planet.

Ok, to the songs. Introvertura is an instrumental piece that serves as an atmospheric opening to the album, some light piano introductions followed by Gilmour-like solos, the bass and drums come in to carry on the momentum of the beginning into a heavier tonal area, this is followed by a series of heavy riffs which culminate in a dramatic section led by organ power chords, the ending of the song segues into Exodus (For Tyrion) (Game of Thrones reference?) which is a powerful song that contains amazing piano, a softer middle vocal section and an epic ending with a jarring guitar solo and powerful vocals. Throughout the album the vocal don't seem to be that important to the band, it works great in some parts and in others it feels like the singer is still trying to find his voice. 1973 is an upbeat hard-rock song that starts out with a great bass and drums intro and turns into a quite enjoyable riff, after a little nod to Led Zeppelin's Kashmir the song turns into a 7/8 jam which reminds me a lot of 70s Genesis, the song ends with a reprise of the main riff, quite a cool song.

Tiradientes is straightforward metal song, guitar intro, double bass drums and excellent heavy riffs (if you're into that) the song has an organ breakdown that quickly turns into a lighting fast outro which ends with a Dream Theater like fretwork from the whole band, another great tune. Fat Man is an 11 minute instrumental with many mood changes, quite possible the second best on the album. Great keyboard sounds, guitar solos and a driving rhythm section, the ending of the song is particularly powerful and progressive. Goodbye acts as a bridge between the madness heard in Fat Man and the mammoth Re, it is an acoustic piece with soft vocals and and a catchy chorus. Despite its placement on the album this is one of my favorites, and holds its own as a stand alone piece, really enjoyed the line "When you see the faces pass, can't you feel the cold stained glass", it reminded me of the indifference we feel when leaning against the bus window. Great job by the keyboard player in this song, creating the right atmosphere.

Re is without a doubt the centerpiece of the album and quite frankly the best piece of music here. At almost 24 minutes it includes a variety of changes and soundscapes, piano and vocal introduction (great vocal delivery here) heavy double bass section with deeper distorted vocals, majestic organ break, middle-eastern riff coupled with amazing guitar and keyboard solos, King Crimson inspired instrumental work and a quieter second half of the song that turns into a musical painting that reminds me of Pink Floyd, Alan Parson Project and Marillion. The last 6 minutes of the song are exquisite progressive music at its best, moody vocals and a killer guitar solo, the best on the album.

There's not much information about the band, it seems like a really small garage project. Let's just hope we get to hear another Re.