THE MYTH OF SISYPHUS

"The Myth Of Sisyphus" is the 2nd full-length studio album by US, New York based progressive metal act Theater of the Absurd. The album was released through Graviton Music Services in December 2013. The band's self-titled debut album was released in 2007, but only limited to 500 vinyl copies and only very few of them were actually distributed, as Theater of the Absurd were dissatisfied with the album. Therefore the two members of the band (Patrick Curley (Drums, extreme Vocals) and Mike Neumeister (Guitars, Bass)), took their time to develop their songwriting and playing skills before feeling ready to record "The Myth Of Sisyphus". So "The Myth Of Sisyphus" has more or less been in the making for 6 years.

Theater of the Absurd have hooked up with legendary producer Jim Morris and have recorded "The Myth Of Sisyphus" at the equally legendary Morrisound Recording in Tampa, Florida. That has resulted in a professional, clear and well sounding production, which suits the music well. Besides the two main members of the band the lineup also features lead vocalist Chandler Mogel (Outloud), female vocalist Kjersti Kveli and pianist Tor Morten Kjosnes, who guests on various tracks.

The music on the album is an eclectic and quite impressive mix of influences. Some harking back to 70s progressive rock and some sounding more like contemporary progressive metal. The vocals are predominantly male clean vocals, but there are occasional use of extreme metal vocals in the music too and also female clean vocals and even some operatic female vocals. The tracks are relatively complex both in structure and in dynamics, but not in a forced fashion and despite the relatively complex approach to songwriting, the music isn't hard to get into. The way the band arrange their tracks just seem to welcome the listener into the listening experience. I'm not going to mention particular tracks as highlights because I think it's a consistently high quality release devoid of dull moments. It's obvious the band's vision is to create both original and intriguing progressive metal and they succeed in that quest.

There is a playfulness about the whole affair, that's greatly charming and that'll keep the listener on his toes for the duration of the album. Tempo- and time signature changes, multible changes in dynamics and atmosphere in each track. This is music for the more adventurous minded progressive metal fan, who appreciated eclectic sounding music. A 4 star (80%) rating is deserved.

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