From their record label, “Recognized for their boundary-pushing sound, technical mastery, and captivating live performances, FRACTAL UNIVERSE have carved a unique path in the modern metal scene and present you with their latest creation, “The Great Filters.” It’s the group’s most ambitious, diverse and intricate album to date pushing the boundaries of the band’s unique saxophone-drenched take on progressive metal. FRACTAL UNIVERSE is celebrated for their ability to push the boundaries of metal, combining heavy riffs, melodic elements, and jazz influences. Get ready to embark on a sonic journey like no other.”

“The Void Above” is the first song, and out of the gate, you can hear the technical mastery of the band. They can turn it on and off like a switch, transporting you to and from the abuse like a made-to-fit vehicle. The gentler elements consist of clean vocals and saxophone, but they remain dark. “The Great Filter” teases the senses a little more, with clean vocals that are almost jovial, but those hardened elements come into play shortly thereafter. The music is complex, but also accessible, and that’s a difficult balance to maintain. As is often the case in this type of music, Clément is a beast on the kit.

“Causality’s Grip” comes at you with firm angels, but they duck back under the veil of melody at times. Like a caged tiger, it’s only a matter of when you get the deep, bite, not if, but there ability to balance these two things is noteworthy. “The Seed of Singularity” has a distinct swing to it, and the band’s versatility knows no bounds. The vocals also have a snarl to them, almost like the band knows something that you don’t. This mysterious feeling seems to permeate the album so far…that there are more surprises to come. “The Equation of Abundance” has some harmonic guitar strikes that moves towards a song that celebrates melody. You can hear the angry elements in the background, and they come around with harsh vocals. Let the melody ride however, and ride it hard.

“Specific Obsolescence” comes hateful out of the gate, but again, the tones mellow a bit, teetering on the edge of tension. The smooth saxophone notes really mellow the sound even more, and that lead guitar work is very emotional. “Dissecting the Real” showcases more of the band’s fantastic musicianship, and sense of both timing and melody. Darkness creeps back into the song, and that is one of the band’s strongest features on the album. “A New Cycle” closes the album, and it’s like a rebirth of sorts, combining all of the various elements that the band offers on the album into a tasty, seasoned stew. This album has something to offer to all Metal fans. Saxophone is an instrument that can be cliché in some Metal bands today, but on this album, it works so well. The combination of hard-hitting riffs, darkness, insane drumming, and melody, makes this band stand out from the crowd.