Being original in imagination, and show a musical creation that results from a depth of thought, is one of the characteristics of each musician. But influences play a unique and important role in reaching a high stage. We had to keep a balance between all these ingredients, to end with something convincing. ALLEY a Russian band of Progressive Death Metal took this rule in consideration. In fact, their second full length album "Amphibious" is just out, noting that the Russians are known with their first album called "The Weed" that is considered as a recreation of the old style of the masters of the global Metal scene OPETH. The resemblance made ​​me think immediately of "Morningrise" or "My Arms Your Hearse".

"Amphibious" does not hide the great influence of the Swedish Metallers, particularly in the general perspective of their style. About 69 minutes of very complex Progressive Metal, with a length that can reach 15 minutes for the opening track "Lighthouse". I do not hide my appreciation to the ideas; in fact I noticed a great ability to be different along the same musical passage and change moods every 2 or 3 minutes. "Weather Report" is a confirmation for what was said so high, with more atmosphere, melody and very psychedelic breaks, to resume after with more brutal riffs. This track was marked with a Jazzy end well controlled. In the third position there is "Amphibious", it starts with blast beats and sudden breaks to leave the place after for a Metal that takes a lot of elements from Doom / Death styles, supported with a low tempo and a very present guitar. "Skulls & Bones" is the shortest song on the album stands out with a much more melancholic mood, but leaving the place as usual for very nice parts supported with rich bass and guitars and a great clear voice. "Time Signal" is a development of ideas to the track before, with much emotional sentences, sometimes very dark. The Doom elements are also present. To conclude this adventure, it is the turn of "Washed Away", which is for me a summary of all the elements of the album.

It is a good quality production behind this very successful album; it shall mean that it is a remarkable effort. The art work reminds me of the old albums of Progressive / Psychedelic rock of the 70s and it tells many stories, and also reflects the album title. This was the result of a mental and musical effort of the group, assisted by their admiration for OPETH. I look for their third album to confirm the group's attitude, successors or creators.