TALIESIN – Disciple (2023)
We already praised TALIESIN‘s last year’s album and it was awarded by many reputed magazines as well. If that supposes placing some pressure on their follow up work, then Taliesin didn’t get the message – their new album ”Disciple” is a shining release.
Heavier and more progressive than its predecessor, this new nine-track album is an expansive piece of work, full of the modern sounding guitar work one associates with Tesseract. That is something of a surprise, given the band’s history dates to 1995 when the influences of Rush, Dream Theater and Fates Warning saw guitarist Richard Moseley and Rueben Durham first met in Canberra.
Despite what you might think when first encountering this album, the songs are far catchier than might be expected. Intricate, cleverly delivered and beautifully structured, there are hooks and an anthemic quality on songs such “Blindfold” or “Burnt” which instantly capture the imagination and attention.
The title track is the ideal introduction to the album, allowing the new listener to acquaint themselves with the band’s fluid and emotive style of play. This runs throughout the record, with Dave Howe’s rich, warm vocals a real highlight. The musicianship, as one might expect, is of the highest quality, with intricate passages of play, constant time, and tempo changes.
“Custom of the Sea” highlights the band’s quality, with ample harmonies creating luscious melodies alongside the harder edge. There is some searing guitar work, and it presents without the virtuoso grandstanding that often occurs with bands of this genre. Indeed, much of the music is slightly understated, each instrument and musician allowed time to breath and play. You can hear everything that is happening.
Whilst Taliesin have brought a heavier sound to their music, there is plenty of room for expansion. They can also play the simpler riffs to great effect as noted in the opening part of “God Damn Lies”, an epic that gets into gear quickly. It’s story telling of the highest order, with the keys provided by Moseley and Durham adding vital layers and textures.
”Disciple” is a well balanced and weighted album. The longer tracks swoop places with shorter pieces, allowing the album to flow maintaining interest throughout and ensuring that there is space for each track to be fully absorbed.
The eight-minute “Frustration” builds with a cinematic feel, the tension slowly increasing as the song develops. There’s no sense of urgency yet it still moves at pace, capturing the imagination of the listener as the duelling guitar work and rich melodies take centre stage.
If you are a fan of cleverly written and perfectly performed prog metal (and much more) music, then it would be wrong for you to miss out on ”Disciple”. It’s an album that deserves plenty of attention and praise.
Easily among the best Prog Albums appeared this year.
Highly Recommended
01 – Disciple
02 – C.O.T.E
03 – Custom of the Sea
04 – God Damn Lies
05 – Every Time I Close My Eyes
06 – Frustration
07 – Blindfold
08 – Burnt
09 – The Road
Dave Howe – Lead Vocals
Richard Moseley – Guitar, Keys & Vocals
Reuben Durham – Guitar, Keys & Vocals
Chris Tur – Bass & Vocals
Wayne Bateup – Drums
BUY
taliesin3.bandcamp.com/album/disciple
