ANUBIS GATE – Horizons (2014)
*
Danish prog metal quartet ANUBIS GATE have just released their 6th album, “Horizons”, the first without long-time members Morten Sørensen and Jesper M. Jensen, and doing well to stay with long-time producer Jacob Hansen.
New members Morten Gade and Morten Gade Sørensen offer their exceptional instrumental skills for this new record, a really captivating blend of influences resulting in a truly original product.
Yes, Anubis Gate is not yor typical prog metal band.
In comparison to other present progressive metal, Anubis Gate feels almost quaint in comparison. While other bands are happy to impress you with their virtuosic prowess, Anubis Gate has a much stronger focus on songwriting. Sonically, “Horizons” feels close to the Devin Townsend Project, largely due to the excellent production handled by Kim Olesen and Hansen.
Yes, there are quite heavy music here with layers of thick riffage and uneven time signatures, yet still wrapped up in melody. Thanks to this approach the progressive nature of their metal is nearly disguised by their wall of sound.
A good example comes with “Revolution Come Undone”, a rapid and chunky number that moves with an underlying groove (something common in many songs here). Then there’s “Breach of Faith” which, like other songs has dense riffs, but turns more on a singular guitar lead, and just a touch of piano. It’s one of the best songs here.
“Never Like This” is exemplary of the band’s ambitious, but inevitably excellent and evocative songwriting, that fuses liquid but hard-hitting riffs and airy, creative melodic work.
Henrik Fevre expands his vocals here quite significantly, his immense range travelling from spectrum to spectrum and delivering catchy hooks in a deliciously fussion fashion. Coming from Rock&Pop roots, he offers something unique and tangible to the prog metal table.
“Hear My Call” is my favorite track on the CD; It gets you instantly hooked by a deceptively heavy, yet groovy intro riff, which drives the majority of the song, with yet again a creative display of melodic progressions. The chorus is delightful, with Henrik showing a soaring facet to his vocal repertoire. Both guitarists possess a unique ability to seamlessly transcend between the heavy and melodic in an instant, which is sudden and followable at the same time.
Of course, “A Dream Within A Dream” requires a mention; their epic 14 minutes composition which never gets boring combining strong upbeat passages with a terrific array of amorphous soundscapes.
“Erasure” is a surprising and very enjoyable acoustic piece that garnishes the end of the album. Predominantly filled by acoustic guitars, there’s a dramatic crash of distorted electric that breaks up any potential monotony. Did I mention the hauntingly beautiful lyrics?
One of the most original and varied prog metal albums appeared lately, Anubis Gate’s “Horizons” is a highly recommended listen for fans of all genres. Anubis Gate is not reduced to a specific style, there’s something for everyone here.
Despite the sometimes heavy, dark, melancholic tone, the album manages to maintain an organic feel, plenty of melodies. There is a distinctly modern bent to “Horizons”, which help Anubis Gate stand apart from their contemporaries. More importantly, the band carve their own niche in a genre oversaturated with musicians who know how to play their instruments but have never written a good ‘song’.
These Danish guys are really, really good, not strangely are signed by Nightmare Records (same as Teramaze), a label with impressive acts in their roster.
Highly Recommended.
01 – Destined To Remember
02 – Never Like This (A Dream)
03 – Hear My Call
04 – Airways
05 – Revolution Come Undone
06 – Breach Of Faith
07 – Mindlessness
08 – Horizons
09 – A Dream Within A Dream
10 – Erasure
Henrik Fevre – Vocals, Bass, Keyboards
Kim Olesen – Guitars, Keyboards
Michael Bodin – Guitars
Morten Gade Sørensen – Drums
BUY IT !
www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=9145945
.
