GALACTIC ALIENS EXTERMINATION ARMADA, this is the extended name for G.A.E.A., is a project created by Buzz (aka Giuseppe Nicolò - MEMORIES OF A LOST SOUL) and his desire to combine Progressive Metal, Death/Thrash, Avantgardish Modern sounds with the soundtracks of video games and 1980s sci-fi films. The band creates atmospheres that masterfully intertwine different currents ranging from Prog to Death Metal to melodic Goth sounds. CYNIC, ATHEIST, MESHUGGAH, GOJIRA can be considered the fathers of this sound but the mastery of G.A.E.A.'s music is absolutely unique. G.A.E.A., a musical kaleidoscope of freezing atmospheres and devastating harmonies.

The album has ten songs, and "Lovelikebigbang" is first; a brief opener, seguing into "Pillars of Creation." In comes blast beat drumming, aggressive and contentious tones, and deadly harsh vocals. There are also some melodies, but they are twisted and dissonant. This is some pretty unique Extreme Metal. "Stranger in a Strange Land" pulses with electronica, and other background elements to go with the main course of aggression. The song takes several unexpected twists and turns however at times, and you need to be on your toes or you might miss some of the heaping of melody for example. "Gates of Zendocon" is another wolf in sheep's clothing. Some of the first few chord progression suggest melody, but darkness lurks in the background, and then comes fully around.

"Second Chapter" begins with unassuming tones, but takes a dive off of the deep end pretty quickly, into aggression and darkness. From there, it trades off between the two conflicting styles, all the while tension is used. It's almost as if they are two separate songs, and the contrasts are stark. The next song is divided into two parts. Part one embraces an accessible melody line, and dancing bass notes can be heard in the background. It grows darker however, until the beast is unveiled. Part two begins much the same way, and ends much the same way. The progression of darkness is noted. "Finally Free" is the final song, and although there are solemn tones, that dark intensity is still very much alive.

This is an out of the box sound, artist and album. At its core, it's Extreme Metal with Progressive elements, but there is a lot of eclectic personality in the music as well. This album may find it hard to locate an appropriate audience. But I enjoyed it immensely.