Anubis Gate : " Interference"

 

This Danish progressive metal band has pushed on despite a revolving door of band members that found even the original members all cycled out. The more power metal like vocals have been toned down. Things are more progressive and owe less to early power metal bands like Priest or Queensryche. The vocals are still emoted in a powerful manner. There is metal guitar but the compositions are slick and streamlined. The chorus all soar, just like their original formula is in place. They also packed plenty of guitar solos for this album. "Number Stations" finds the band ready to make music for 2023, with none of the spandex tendencies. The choruses are all a little too happy for my personal tastes, but that is just what these guys do. 

Their drummer is on it. He might be the unsung hero of this album. There is a tangible new wave influence on "the Phoenix." "Equations" has an ample groove so it makes me anxious that they might screw it up with the chorus. It might be my favorite song so far. Then things take a turn towards a more angular atmospheric take on prog rock. It reminds me of Porcupine Tree. They have their Pink Floyd moment with "the Intergalactic Dream of Stardom". The vocals are belted a little harder. The guitars also have more chug in them at times. 

"World of Clay" is more driving and metallic. It reminds me of Kamelot in how the vocals match the guitars. It plays into the more power metal side of this genre as the emphasis is placed on more soaring grandiose vocal approach. It does not play to the bands strength's in order to set themselves apart. When the title track lingers on the groove at the beginning of the song it is time well spent. It sets the stage for something more thoughtful. There is that Journey like brightness in places that reminds me a little of Dream Theater, but it's dialed back. These guys are a metal band where Dream Theater is not . They allow themselves to wisely simmer on a similar mood on the last song. I will give this album an 8.5, well done , but plays it too safe, metal should not be safe, some of the darkness and aggression that could of been was sterilized out in the mix down, but if proggy metal with the emphasis on the proggy part is your thing , it is worth checking out.