THE DEADSTATION is an American Progressive Metal band based out of Boston, Massachusetts. They present their work as "episodes" from a fictional dystopian TV channel called "The Deadstation," with each song title representing a different scene from that episode. This is the band's debut EP, and contains seven tracks. The haunting tones of the brief instrumental "Hundred Foot Drop" do not prepare you for the assault of the opening of "Subsistence Defined." Quickly however it settles into a rhythm with liberal use of piano and guitar. Greg's vocals are earnest and his range impressive. Sonically I definitely get a DREAM THEATER vibe here which is extremely pleasing. The quieter connecting passages are just beautiful. I have said many times that composing these really memorable and emotional parts are exactly what separates the great bands from the mediocre. The wah-wah guitar led riff is great as well. "Like

"Peering Into The Deepest Ocean Abyss" has four movements. "Drugs for Pain Inside" is the first. It's a raucous track with plenty of bombastic, hard hitting riffs and a rhythm that punches you over and over. Many of the vocals are hushed and come at you in an almost subliminal method, lending a dark mysteriousness to the track as a whole. The second part, "August 4th -3:21AM," is a segue of sorts into the next movement, with a trippy keyboard melody thatshines brightly in its simplicity. The third part, "Anything but This, Anywhere but Here" has the same melody line but carried by different instruments and soaring vocals. The final part of the movement is the most sublime. The grace and charm present is in the acoustic guitar and thecrescendo of sound. I would be remiss if I did not mention how well-crafted and fitting the ensuing guitar solo is as well. "Slowly, But Surely, I'm Drowning" is the final song.

Once again it's a comely melody that is eerie and emotionally settling at the same time. This is just brilliantly done. There is a very fluid continuity to the EP as a whole, yet each part is distinctive on its own, like seven separate puzzle pieces that when put together bring total synergy to the album. The musicianship of the band is very remarkable, and the depth and complexity of their compositions is momentous. At the same time however, you don't have to over-think the music as you sometimes have to do in this genre. As far as American Progressive Metal, this album is most certainly there with all of the incredible work that a band like DREAM THEATER has put out, and it is a must-have for fans of this genre. Strap in and take in this journey of musical transcendence!