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Metaprism? Who?
That’s something you won’t be saying for long. After a jam-packed couple of years, including winning the ‘South’ final of the Metal 2 The Masses competition, and playing Bloodstock 2014, Metaprism are back with their debut album, ahead of their appearances at Wacken Open Air and a return to Bloodstock for 2015.
The Metaprism EP, released back in 2013, was a clear indication of the style that the band was taking. With two vocalists providing an undeniably powerful front, it was clear that this band was always going to be based around its vocal capabilities. I last described this band as ‘Disney meets Metal, fronted by beauty and the beast’. This album still has that feel about it and continues to further Metaprism’s original style of metal.
This album is more of what we have already heard from Metaprism, but better in every way. Every note has more drive, more power, and by far a lot more presence than their previous releases. Stylistically it’s very consistent, which is what I think gives this album such an established sound, especially given they’re a band with a relatively short history.
Throughout this album it is clear that guitarist, Ollie Roberts, has been hard at work in the riff factory, providing a full assault on the senses with a variety of complex lead sections and chunky verse sections. After losing guitarist Jimmy, it is great to see that there has been no loss in inspiration, as far as the guitars are concerned on this album. The highlight of this guitar work, comes in the form of his solo in ‘Needles of Light And Shame’. Just Stunning.
For a first album, this is very exciting, with the tracks sounding well established. All the songs flow really well, and you can sense the true musicianship behind this band. The songwriting is great, with all the different sections of rhythm, lead, and vocals all communicating and working together in harmony, some sections taking a step back to let the vocals soar, others for guitar solos and drum sections. It all works very well and makes for a very easy listen.
Vocally, this album has been very well calculated. There is a great sense of harmony between Jut and Teresa. Jut’s growls are not used in an overpowering way, which helps the flow of the album immensely. It seems to be a very even mix between the clean vocals and growl sections, which allow each song to progress without too much of a difference in tonality. There’s room for experimenting, but for a first album, it is a clear that they are merely setting the bar. There is so much potential which is what makes this album such an exciting start to Metaprism’s journey.
If I were going to suggest anything that could maybe improve the album, I would say there is room for an interlude track or two. Each track on the album has its own style and approach, but I would say that they are all fairly fast in pace and the odd interlude track would help the album to be digested with less urgency.
Tracks to listen out for? My personal favourites from the album include ‘Deceive The Afterlife’ for its heartwarming melodies and bone-crushing riffs. In my opinion, this track features the best lyrical work from screaming vocalist, Jut Tabor, and ‘Nebula’ for its punishing instrumental sections as well as its stunning clean vocal chorus section.
Having released their brand new single, ‘Reload’, from the album on July 2nd, the reaction has been highly positive, and it is clear to see that the album will only bring further success. Catch Metaprism later this year at Bloodstock Festival and Wacken Open Air, alongside the likes of Trivium and Fleshgod Apocalypse. They’ll be sure to cause a stir as one of the most promising up-and-coming Metal bands in the UK.
Beware. Metaprism are coming!
Review: Siôn Roe
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