Formed in 2009, the UK band CALATRILLOZ (yes the Z is purposely capitalized) have released a series of EP's over the course of their existence. "Palms of Zahyin" is their latest 6 song effort, clocking in at 31 minutes and change. Beyond the strong visual presentation and unique nicknames of the band members, the music also is an interesting cocktail and that contains Symphonic, Progressive, and Gothic strains amidst a noticeable Metal foundation.

Zahyin as a vocalist has a comfortable, semi-operatic style that intertwines with acts like QUEEN or YES, rising and descending to the musical action with reasonable ease on highlights like "Origins" and the semi-Psychedelic meets Gothic "The Long Winding Road". Real violin parts give "A Glimpse at a Fool's Destiny" a little bit more of a KANSAS texture amidst the heavier Vargovar-led guitar riffs and the doomier tempo that the rhythm section employs. My favorite song would happen to be the last one "The Psychopath" - the harmonization between the vocals and music plus the galloping nature and nifty guitar taps makes this a Power/Progressive Metal anthem for the ages.

Overall the band's sub-genre blends could provide a little bit of motion sickness, so one could foresee a bit of a cult audience that would get CALATRILLOZ the quickest. Imagine if you could an interest in 70's Progressive Rock, QUEEN, and maybe POWERWOLF taken through a Gothic filter and that can give you a small idea of what's on display. Their makeup and outlandish visual presentation does lend itself well to a striking live performance - but let's hope that the quintet continue to push the music angle first.

"Palms of Zahyin" gives the listener an experience they won't soon forget, especially those into Symphonic-oriented, Semi-Pomp Progressive Metal. CALATRILLOZ appears to be doing just fine on their own, so who knows what the future may bring for this outside-the-box UK band.