Active since 2009, the Brazilian Progressive Metal quintet KRIVER has smartly built up their audience through a series of EP releases - as "Foresight" is their third EP since 2010. They've also had the chance to showcase their wares at festivals in their home country, sharing the stage with notables such as ALMAH and DR. SIN. These 4 songs will be my initial foray into KRIVER's songwriting, so it's time to dive in and hear what's on display.

The brand of Progressive Metal the band falls into has a lot of Epic and Melodic Death qualities - vocalist Rafael Gorga is willing to mix up his strong, clean/melodic segments with a vicious extreme roar that is in line with death/black acts. The first track "Scion's Resolve (Retribution)" has a number of Symphonic elements in terms of the sweeping keyboards, which contrast against the upbeat tempo and almost thrash-oriented riffing. I would say as much as the band loves ANGRA and RHAPSODY, there would also be an equal appreciation for DIMMU BORGIR and KAMELOT.

Guitarists Bruno Oliveira and Marcelo Neves provide dual riffing/soloing that keeps these songs interesting and entertaining, not always heads down speed oriented but often giving a little bit of left-field contrast, especially evident on the dramatic "Our Silent Borders." The 7:37 closer "Ghosts Should Not Care" opens in more of early 90's SAVATAGE fashion between the piano arrangement and drumming, possessing more understated Progressive work from bassist Guillherme Cordasso, an almost semi-ballad while being very Epic and emotional throughout, even incorporating a blast beat around the 5:23-5:31 mark that doesn't sound out of place.

KRIVER may not be the most standout act in this genre, but they have built themselves a great cocktail of sounds and should be able to attain a decent cross-section of metal followers through their style. Check it out if you prefer bands that mix things up a little in the Progressive Metal genre.