OSYRON is a Progressive Metal band based out of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and have been around since 2004 (then known as MORBID THEORY) and changed their name in 2012. This is their latest release (and first EP) entitled "Foundations" which came out July 10th 2020, independently.

The opener "The Cross" has a very medieval style, creepy intro that transitions into the driving force of drums and some crunchy guitars (almost as heavy as ZERO HOUR). The guitar sound itself is very low and punchy, and makes an interesting contrast with the higher vocals, who are very strong and efficient. Usually, I can make comparisons, I guess this is somewhat like ELDRITCH or JEFF SCOTT SOTO. Either way, they are really good, and you even get some harsher vocals thrown in there, akin to KILLSWITCH ENGAGE. And what is always important in the ever-evolving progressive metal genre is to make sure have a poignant chorus, which this song possesses.

The follow-up is "Ignite" which has the same power I love in EVERGREY, the very bassy guitar riffs that resonate in the headphones. There is a tinge of modern metal in how the guitar tone changes at times (somewhat like SOILWORK loves to do). I just love the overall surround effect the entire song has and once again, the vocals really deliver masterfully, without going too much in the high pitch district. Add a little Arabic scale in there that OPETH and ORPHANED LAND have added to their repertoire over the years, and you have a stunning track from start to finish. "Battle of the Thames" is a completely different beast with some flutes and acoustic guitars in the intro and shows off the gentle side of the band. I find the quiet vocals here are lot like Matthew Barlow in ICED EARTH (especially in their ballads) and to some extent Daniel Gildenlow from PAIN OF SALVATION. While the change of pace is quite drastic, it a great number and brings about the versatility of the musicians.

My love for hard rock riffing is fulfilled in "The Ones Below" and what a rocker this song is. The groovy bass lines and the 90s-filled atmosphere really adds another layer, to what is already a very eclectic album. If there was a single to be released on the album to get some attention, this would be the song! There is even a bit of ALICE IN CHAINS in here at some points. This song will make you smile I guarantee it.

Lastly, we have the title track "Foundations" that also happens to be the longest strong on the album, filled with some more acoustic guitars and some fresh-sounding bass parts. It slowly evolves into some very memorable crescendos of energy. If you like your progressive metal that builds slowly, but dives into different realms of intensity, you will enjoy this closer. And when was the last time you heard blast-beats in this style?

Seriously, it had been a long time since I had been blown away by a progressive metal release and this one does not disappoint. The production is on point and every song has its place on this EP to demonstrate what these guys are capable of. If you are looking for something different and fresh in a genre that has been known to stagnate, give this EP a nice long listen.