progressive rock
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Usually, I feel somewhat equivocal about progressive rock. Too many times I've seen technical gifted musicians bring out everything they can, except for a good story to go with the music. Too many times I've seen them drown in their own solos and unexpected hooks. Yes, these guys can play, I'm not doubting that, but many of them fail to write a decent song. That's one reason why you don't see a lot of progressive rock albums being reviewed on this website.
Strasbourg, France residents Perpetual Escape formed in 2010. Since then, they have been working on their progressive and narrative music. They don't really seem to care if that music belongs to either to metal scene or the rock scene, and quite frankly, neither do I. I mean, the borders between both genres have been eroding for quite some time now, making crossing over a lot easier.
The album opens with 'Wisdom Of A Child', which could be seen as an intro but also as a nice, Pink Floyd inspired piece of music. When Pink Floyd is the first band that pops up in my mind, something good must be going on. Then, the rock songs kick off, starting with the quite immersive song 'Six Six' and highlighting in the uptempo rocker 'The Tale Of The Lost Souls'. By now, my doubt about progressive rock has faded away.
In the album I recognize influences from bands like Dream Theater, Rush, King Crimson but also from female fronted bands like Evanescence and even a reference towards hardcore here and there. Yet, the whole thing remains on an enjoyable level, without the showing-off attitude that many progressive rock musician seem to possess and without forgetting to write actual songs. Yes, these are some great songs.
The album is varied enough to remain interesting, and comes with an excellent dose of good old hard rock. The massive, seventeen minutes lasting title track is a great piece of work, one that hopefully sets this band on the progressive rock map permanently. There's plenty of variation, plenty of atmosphere and plenty of emotion, everything you need for a great road trip.
​Serge
Strasbourg, France residents Perpetual Escape formed in 2010. Since then, they have been working on their progressive and narrative music. They don't really seem to care if that music belongs to either to metal scene or the rock scene, and quite frankly, neither do I. I mean, the borders between both genres have been eroding for quite some time now, making crossing over a lot easier.
The album opens with 'Wisdom Of A Child', which could be seen as an intro but also as a nice, Pink Floyd inspired piece of music. When Pink Floyd is the first band that pops up in my mind, something good must be going on. Then, the rock songs kick off, starting with the quite immersive song 'Six Six' and highlighting in the uptempo rocker 'The Tale Of The Lost Souls'. By now, my doubt about progressive rock has faded away.
In the album I recognize influences from bands like Dream Theater, Rush, King Crimson but also from female fronted bands like Evanescence and even a reference towards hardcore here and there. Yet, the whole thing remains on an enjoyable level, without the showing-off attitude that many progressive rock musician seem to possess and without forgetting to write actual songs. Yes, these are some great songs.
The album is varied enough to remain interesting, and comes with an excellent dose of good old hard rock. The massive, seventeen minutes lasting title track is a great piece of work, one that hopefully sets this band on the progressive rock map permanently. There's plenty of variation, plenty of atmosphere and plenty of emotion, everything you need for a great road trip.
​Serge
