PORTALS

Canadian band AsZension have been on my radar for a while but as with many bands, I have so much I have to listen to for reviews and other bands I am listening to, I just kept forgetting to check them out. Fortunately, my good friends at Prog Sphere PR fixed the issue by sending me the new AsZension album, "Portals." I am glad they did!

AsZension are an instrumental progressive rock trio who are centered around Kevin Thiessen, the keyboardist, guitarist, percussionist and composer. His keyboard work is often comfortable and challenging which is why I love it.

This is not to downplay the contributions of the rhythm section. In fact, with very little overdubs (if any), bassist Etienne Girard and drummer Colin Righton are critical to the flow and groove of each track. Righton keeps the songs going and Girard is a very melodic bassist who interacts well with Thiessen's shape shifting keyboard work.

But how is the music on "Portals"? It's forward-thinking, but most importantly it's enjoyable. Whether it's the 12-odd minute opening epic "Spectral Dynasty, Pt. I - III," which at times sounds like Thiessen is on a journey through sounds with his keyboard while the song is pulsating, to the following track "Transmigration," sounds otherworldly.

"Portals" is an album that forces itself to the front of your consciousness whether you like it or not. I've taken a while to find AsZension but like anything truly viral, this is a band that will stay with me for sure.