Progressive Metal as a genre has a wide open stance as far as where to go stylistically. The days of intricacy and technical prowess can often be replaced by dynamic contrast, a veritable kitchen stew mix of sounds, and left field outlooks that take advantage of modern technological advances. AUTUMN GHOST belong to this new breed of Progressive Metal, forming in 2012 and releasing their debut EP rather quickly in 2013. They've returned to the scene with the follow up "Paint a Blue Sky" - a rather quick hitting 3 song effort that gives you a brief window into their Modern style.

Employing two different vocalists, both Adam Phillips and Brett Pedantic can switch between aggressive/ extreme screams and alternative, clean singing - as well as incorporating a bit of rap in the concluding verses of "Caroline". I think they come from a fusion of BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME and PERIPHERY philosophy - spitting out the verses based on the texture and feel that their fellow musicians deliver, check out the rollercoaster ups and down tradeoffs on the TOOL oriented "Serial Intentions".

"Subject of Violence" opens the EP through a creepy, almost horror film style intro for the first 90 seconds before the guitars, off time cymbal work, and keyboard layers kick in - the rhythmic oriented screams contrasting against the atmospheric sonic landscape. By the time this 6:40 cut comes to an end - it's very hard to get the incessant chorus out of your head, or the energy exhibited through the highs and lows from Woody's chord choices and strumming. "Caroline" is my favorite AUTUMN GHOST song musically, the main riff very circular in an INCUBUS gone Progressive way.

The bad cop vocals can be a tough sell to the purists of the genre, but I think AUTUMN GHOST offer up an eclectic, engaging sound that should be interesting to watch blossom over the coming years. Acoustic guitars, narrative elements, multi-pronged vocals - "Paint a Blue Sky" is another entertaining product for the newer generation of Progressive Metal.