We have a Porcupine Tree, so why can’t we have a Pomegranate Tiger? The amazing amount of talented young bands that have crept out of every orifice since Periphery bounded into the Prog metal universe is staggering. Plus, the amount of instrumental bands in this genre is breathtaking as well. It’s a bit like the explosion of fusion bands in the 70’s.
These lovely folks come from darkest Windsor in Ontario, which makes us practically neighbours. I think this is their fifth album and it’s an incredible piece of work. I mentioned Periphery, but that may give a slightly wrong expectation. First, there are no vocals and second, we only have one guitarist – the amazingly talented Martin Andres. What you do get is amazing deep grooving soundscapes, intricate weaving guitar passages, and some serious riffage with a killer rhythm section supplied again by Martin.
My only adverse word is the breaks between songs are almost non existent and the whole piece feels like one song, and that’s a small thing. The djentyness is wonderful and groovy when the needs arises. The Cryptographer is just an insane musical wonder with some epic deep riifage and unbelievable guitar soloing, and I will say this is my favourite piece. Mind blowing stuff! There is a moment I thought I was in a parallel universe while listening to this as I could swear the intro to Metasphere reminded of The Cardiacs, and perhaps it did but the memory was wiped away by deep riffage.
A freakin’ great record.
9.5/10 from The Grooveman.
