Founded in 2009 by multi-instrumentalist Valerio Æsir Villa, VIRTUAL SYMMETRY is a Progressive Metal band based out of Milan, Italy. The band released their debut full-length "Message from Eternity" in 2016. Now in 2017, they present a new EP titled "X-Gate," which contains three new lengthy tracks. As I mentioned recently, the country of Italy has really been knocking the Metal genre out of the park lately, especially in the Symphonic and Progressive genres, and have really been treating us to some wonderful music. With that in mind, let's dive into the EP head first.

"Eyes of Salvation" is the opening eight-minute track. It's a highly melodic affair with background complexities and a varied presentation. Marco's vocals lead the way and are complimented nicely by guitar, keys and piano in a song that is both melancholic and longing with a due amount of weight and Progressive rhythmic changes. "Alchymera" is over fourteen minutes in length; an opus that deals with universal matter. The beginning sequence is covered in texture and layers, and reminds me of the interplay of instruments that DREAM THEATER does so well. The sweet sound is presented in extended sections of musical prowess that at times are fast and heavy and at other times delicate and pretty. The constant throughout is a sophisticated sense of songwriting and ever-shifting passages of riff and meter changes. The keyboards are done in a more supporting role and allow the vocals and guitars to provide the base of the sound.

The third and final track, "Elevate," is about ten minutes in length. A slower and elegant sound at first breathes life into you from beautiful male and female clean vocals and lead guitar notes thick with chorus. About half way through, it picks up in pace from a chunky guitar riff and two solos-one keyboard and one guitar-showing that Progressive prowess in a strong-armed manner. Overall, it was an enjoyable EP with some really wonderful moments of technicality and Progressive leanings. As is often the case with an EP, I found that I longed for a little more, and, as a whole, it didn't quite make the impact that I had hoped for within this style of music. The strength of the EP is definitely the musicianship and complexity. If there had been a little stronger extended melodies I think this could have been a real hit. As it is, it's a good listen.