OFFICE OF STRATEGIC INFLUENCE

OSI is an exciting studio project masterminded by Fates Warning guitarist Jim Matheos and original Dream Theater keyboard player Kevin Moore, originally intended to serve as a progressive metal supergroup that could further develop ideas by Matheos which were later on transformed during the process by Moore through his approach to writing, bringing in a strong influence from electronic music and ultimately redirecting the sound of the entire project. The lineup on their debut release is completed by Mike Portnoy on drums and Cynic bassist Sean Malone, with Steven Wilson making an appearance on one track. The resulting release is expectedly a tremendous mixture of different influences, an album that in many ways redefines progressive rock as it takes its "basic formula" and offers a completely new approach to writing and presenting this style - the blazing guitars of Matheos synchronize viciously with the experimental synths of Kevin Moore, who also sings on the majority of the album.

The prog metal touch is obviously added by the presence of Portnoy and Malone, with the former staying true to his signature technical style of play, always interpreting each composition in a very unique manner, and the latter being heavily influenced by the likes of Mick Karn which obviously brings in another great influence. From the opening notes of the very first track, the instrumental 'The New Math', the listener is introduced to a very organic, heavy sound, similar to early 2000s heavy progressive music, yet somehow more atmospheric, occasionally sounding retro but never really embracing offering a rendition of all too familiar sounds. A true taste of the band comes with the second track 'OSI' as the vocals kick in, adding a particular dimension of the music that makes it even more recognizable. The rest of the album unfolds in a beautiful way as each track presents a different feel, a different aspect of the band's style - Moore's moody soundscapes provide a counterpoint to the raging riffs of Jim Matheos, which renders the entire album as very textured and melodic, which might seem surprising for a progressive metal album. Effective and intelligent use of ambience and technology grace 'Office of Strategic Influence', a tremendously well-conceived and performed album, offering a somewhat redefined heaviness. Occasionally moody and vintage, occasionally experimental and cold, this release really has all the ingredients of an excellent and innovative modern progressive rock album.