SEARCHING FOR REFLECTIONS

Methodica is a band that I started listening to fairly recently and, right off the bat, there was something really appealing and warm with their music that continued to draw me in. Maybe it's because I rarely put down my guard when listening to any completely new Progressive Metal, the few instances that intrigue me often manage to leave quite a profound impact on me. Because let's face it, 75 % of these releases turn out to be pure Power Metal material with just a few hints of progressive attitude added to flavor the rough edges. This was definitely not the case Searching For Reflections and this release really made me wonder what other great marvels have I actually missed out on by ignoring the genre that I was such a huge fan of only a few years back?

The Italian quintet from Verona have definitely taken some considerable time to release their full length debut album and it definitely shows thought this 70+ minute release. The band have carved out and sculptured 7 great metal tracks, 5 out of which reach well beyond the 10 minute mark and definitely speaks in the band's favor for not copping out on us --- the progressive music fans!

There were quite a few other familiar band names that run though my head while listening to these tracks but the one band that definitely sticks out more than others is Riverside. Come to think out it, Searching For Reflections has an album cover that does bare an uncanny resemble to Riverside's artwork. This is by no means a coincidence because, just like the debut album from Duda and his mighty quartet, I feel that Searching For Reflections doesn't really hit all the right spots it should for me. Methodica have clearly decided on their career path with this material but the music is still heavily overshadowed by references to other bands that dominate the scene and therefore still haven't found a voice of their own in the wilderness that is the Progressive Metal scene of today!

The lengthly tracks that are offered here aren't just lengthy for the sake of it, which is something that has unfortunately plagued the music of many other progressive artists of out time. Methodica have clearly found their format and the material does, for most part, flows seamlessly all the way though this studio release. The only real disappointment for me here is the lack of more domestically inspired sound. Don't get me wrong, the band have definitely managed to surprise me on a few occasions with their Italian roots, which becomes clear when listening to the full length version of the album's first single Neon. The track does manage to completely amaze me towards it's end and it's a pity the Methodica doesn't do that much more of this experimentation throughout the rest of their album. Personally, I think that progressive fans would have probably enjoyed this music even more if it was performed in its native language. After all, most of us are quite familiar with the beauty of Rock Progressivo Italiano music.

This release definitely sets a high standard for Methodica to followup upon, but just like Riverside before them, the quintet still has to work on finding their own niche. I'm sure that Methodica will continue working on their formula and will surprise us even with their future releases. I will definitely stick around to hear this transition!

**** star songs: Neon (8:44) Ghosts (11:19) Nail In My Hand (12:48) Machine (12:20)

*** star songs: Heavenland (Marble Column Pt.1) (2:53) The Marble Column (12:10) Presentiments (11:21)