DIVINE ASCENSION – Liberator (2014)

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The name DIVINE ASCENSION seems to came out of nowhere, but the Australian band have been on the scene since 2007 and have made quite a name for themselves in their homeland. Now it’s time for Divine Ascension’s international exposure with the band’s second offer “Liberator“, and darn if it is not one of the most impressive slabs of Melodic Prog Metal I have heard recently.

A female-fronted band that plays a mixture of symphonic, progressive and melodic metal is hardly novel in this day. This Aussie outfit is not really doing anything new, but they are doing what they do really, really well.
Divine Ascension’s sound is grand and bombastic, thanks much to the sharp riffage, symphonic layer, and the pummeling rhythm section. However, they add a substantial depth to their arrangements turning things more interesting.
And… there’s lot of keyboards, layers of it, even on par with the guitar riffs. And I love it.

A fair point of comparison would be the awesome Triosphere (presented here few days ago), as Divine Ascension mix in a similar brand of percussive riffage with powerful feminine vocals.
However, they muster a degree of lush orchestration that sets them apart. These tunes are big, richly layered, and yet still hugely catchy without being simplistic in any way. Every song has unique pleasures and hooks that make them all distinct and all almost equally good.
Vocalist Jennifer Borg is a huge find, as she leads the way with her muscular contralto and first-rate vocal lines. She does not display the kind of range one often expects from proggy bands, but she works what she has like a pro.
Her vocals are soulful, memorable. Combine her undeniable charisma with intricate songwriting and sometimes propulsive heaviness, you get real winners like the memorable title track, the crushing “My Contender Lies”, the haunting “Crystal Tears” and the affecting ballad “Red Sky”.

Although definitely filed as Prog Metal, Divine Ascension embraces much more styles than that. At least sonically, all is very melodic and never overly heavy.
The songs are really well arranged and performed with a clean, clinical precision. For this to shine, you need a great production and “Liberator” owns it in spades.
So if you are looking for something progressive yet really melodic this is a genuinely enjoyable listen. There are no weak songs on here, and there is not one single track I skip.
Yes, Divine Ascension doesn’t re-invent the wheel, but they are great at their game.
VERY Recommended.

01 – Dawn Brings No Mercy
02 – Stronger
03 – Liberator
04 – My Contender Lies
05 – Sorrow’s Sacrifice
06 – Crystal Tears
07 – Machine
08 – Red Sky
09 – The Final Stand
10 – Hideaway
11 – Memoria’s Longing

Jennifer Borg – Vocals
Karl Szulik – Guitars
Robb Inglis – Guitars
David Van Pelt – Keyboards
Jason Meracis – Bass
Luke Wenczel – Drums

BUY IT !
www.amazon.com/Liberator-Divine-Ascension/dp/B00NFNOSO8
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