From Bandcamp, “ADVOCACY was formed in Aarhus, Denmark in the Spring of 2015 with influences from Metal, Jazz, and Progressive Rock. The band’s music is multi-faceted with unorthodox time signatures, three-part vocal harmonies, and compositions that take the listener on a musical journey through wide, dynamic levels and complex instrumentation. The lyrical themes are based on existentialism, societal issues, and the stormy depths of the human minds.” The new album, “The Path to Decoherence,” has eight songs.

The title track is first. It’s a piano forward song, with delicate melodies. Guitars and keyboards are folded in, creating a lavish sound that at times is just a bit dark. “Prayer for the Reckless” is the longest on the album, opening with thick bass notes and a hearty pace. The harmonized vocals add a layer of melody to what is otherwise a fairly heavy and aggressive song. Much of the sound here has a tendency to be circuitous; meaning that the band takes a few liberties staying on track, but that is the case with a lot of Progressive music.

 “Leap of Faith” has many meter shifts and sound changes along the way, although the main riff is sturdy as well as murky. The circuitous route continues, and one could accuse the band of being a bit pretentious. Still, those vocal harmonies are strong. “Star Formation” has smoother and calmer tones at first that lead to an ominous riff of warning with plenty of heaviness. It backs off, and returns a couple of times throughout. “Cut Loose” has an interesting mix of some dissonant chords along the melodious vocals. The two walk hand in hand along their journey, where the melody begins to pull ahead towards the end.  “Deranged” has a nice mx of heavy, chugging guitars and sturdy melodies that grow throughout. When the band lets them breathe, they are very nice. Listen to the extended instrumental passage to understand what I am talking about.

 “Interlude” is a short pause of pretty guitar notes, leading to the closer, “Unnamed.” It has another strong mix of musicianship, ardent structures, and some free flowing melodies.  For a debut album, it’s good, and they have the potential for something even better the next go around. The band obviously has the chops, and the vocal harmonies are sweet, they just need some time to find their signature sound, and let more melody develop. On a side note, I don’t think the harsh vocals work very well, although they are very uncommon on the album.