2007-01-03
Prog and technical metal fans take heed, the hour is at hand. Legendary tech metallers
Spiral Architect are alive and well in Twisted Into Form.
Well, actually it’s the band's guitarst Kaj Gornitzka that's in here, and he's one of the best metal/jazz players out there, its his playing that connects this release so tightly with Spiral Architect, with him this time are
Extol drummer David Husvik, impressive fusion/metal bassist Erik Aadland and original Spiral Architect vocalist Leif J. Knashaug. This tightly knitted group delivers here on of the best prog albums release lately.
The main interest here will be for Spiral fans, the similarities are unquestionable, the complex rhythms, the amazing playing abilities by all involved, and the clear mix by former Spiral producer Neil Kernon. Things differ a bit in the melody dept., meaning, Twisted Into Form do it better.
The album has a much more linear melodic line running throughout, from the epic and heavy lines in "Instinct Solitaire" to the almost ballad-like quality of "The Thin Layers OF Lust And Love". I'm really glad Gornitzka recruited vocalist Knashaug for the part, the guy has a very strong melodic voice that adds another aspect to the music and thickens up the mix. The track also has some great oriental leanings that fit in like a glove.
Some tracks reminded me of the latter albums by
Death and classic
Cynic, such as the excellent "Manumit", with added growled vocals as well, this is something tech death fans will rejoice upon hearing. "The Flutter Kings" has some great metallic riffs with a bridge based on programmed percussion or heavily synthesized real percussion, either way; it’s a work of genius.
I was and still am a fan of Spiral Architect's music, but this is different, this is even better, songwriting wise its better, it's heavier in parts, more varied. The prog and technical metal world has found a new messiah here. Bless them.
Alon Miasnikov
