RISING VISIONARY

Crusade is a newborn progressive metal act from Nashville, headed by guitar player Michael Kupris (who also develops a Youtube channel related to music), that finally released their debut album 'Rising Visionary', and given the musical influences that he often talks about (like Metallica, Dream Theater, Opeth, Porcupine Tree, Periphery, Thank You Scientist), it is no surprise that this album sounds the way it sounds - more precisely, like a well-produced recording with sometimes interesting instrumental work, sometimes not so much, longer-form songs, and fast-paced sections that would either make the listener roll their eyes, or drop their chin, depending on how they perceive this kind of music.

Stating boldly that this album "takes the pretentious out of prog and replacing it with raw, powerful artistry", Kupris sets the expectation high - however, there are a few faults with 'Rising Visionary'. Probably not a too valid one, considering the year and age it was released in, this record could have been reduced in length - there are several moments that hardly contribute to the overall listening experience. These would, of course, include the two final songs - the 9-minute instrumental 'Go Full Epic' (I am for whatever reason bothered by the silly title) and the 13-minute 'Standing Before the Fall' which hardly justifies with music its length; maybe because there were too many ideas thrown into the mix, and this resulted in another messy epic prog metal composition. Secondly, the album features six vocalists, none of which have necessarily memorable voices. I cannot stand the growling vocals and they feel completely abundant. I could give some credit to Kupris, surprisingly or not, as his singing is probably the most balanced on the album. The same could go to Anthony Vincent, who appears on one of the songs.

The stronger moments on the album, however, include the second song we are presented with, which is 'Insatiable', one of the "heavier" numbers, 'House of Cards', 'Vision' and 'Codename It'. All of them are memorable and very melodic, which also happens to be one of the strengths of the album overall (even on the noodly and abundant moments). Kupris' guitar work is enjoyable, sometimes very technical and sometimes more elegant. The drummer also does a great job. On top of all this, the choruses of the above-mentioned songs are really well-written, which is something I often find lackluster in progressive metal.

All in all, 'Rising Visionary' is simultaneously a promising album - with its really melodic writing, interesting transitions, and often captivating guitar work - and a disappointing one because of the obvious overflood of ideas, which were utilized in one way or another, resulting in a few songs that sound more like generic 21st century prog metal. It is interesting to see where the band will take the things from here, as they will gradually find their audience and more importantly, their sound.