As I mentally prepare myself to open three tabs of music databases in search of new progressive metal releases, "Fractals" is the first album my cursor crosses. It's the first full-length release by the Swiss band Ticket to Nowhere, an alternative progressive metal entity that blends the harsh with the calm. I actually had to email these guys about their band members, as I couldn't find their names anywhere - not even on their official website. They got back with me, I told them about the review, and now I'd better get to it. There's an audience already!

Progressive metal can essentially be split into two categories: classic progressive metal, where bands tested the boundaries of music, said "fuck it," and completely shattered them in the most unorthodox ways, or modern progressive metal, where every song is a technical orgy filled with creative time signature shifts and instrumental wizardry. Ticket to Nowhere blatantly falls into the second. Each track is meticulously packed with sharp, angular riffage supported by Andi's twangy bass and Fabian's metallic guitars. Songs like "Later than Outside" and "Demons" are satisfyingly dynamic in this way, and even a little djenty. Their music isn't all masterbatory shredding, either. TtN handles a delicate atmosphere well, letting ambience do its work in "Gain Control" or "The Origin." The atmosphere isn't distracting, so the metalheads that need constant stimulation will be just fine. The production is also crystal-freaking-clear, reeking of modernity.

The star vocalist, Daniela, trips me up a little. "Mitchell, do you hate female vocalists?" Absolutely not! Nightwish and co. dominated my personal listening charts for a while! My problem is that while she has a fine voice, there's not much power to it, especially in busy instrumental segments, which is the spirit of TtN. She does tap into some satisfyingly harsh vocals in heavier tracks like "Demons" and "Playing Badass," and she reaches some nice registers in those, too. There are some weaker spots ("Your Disappointment"), and they really make me want Daniela to let loose and get in front of the music.

Overall, I like "Fractals" and Ticket to Nowhere. They're a solid band who've released a solid progressive metal album. It may not be the most noticeable work in the genre, but it's also not jejune or mundane by any means. It's the kind of prog I nosebleed over. The first note I jotted down was that "These guys sound like Voyager." Admittedly, I am wearing a Voyager shirt right now, but does this mean in the future I'll be wearing a Ticket to Nowhere shirt? Hmm...