From Bandcamp, "PHAETON was formed in Kimberley BC in March 2017 by Kevin Thiessen, Daniel Airth, Colin Righton, and Ferdy Belland. Combining technically ferocious compositions of modern metal with the ambitious song-arrangement mindset of classic prog-rock, PHAETON stands alone in the wilderness of British Columbia with their unique approach to instrumental prog-metal. The long awaited third album, "Neurogenesis" takes you on an inter-stellar journey through the collaborative minds of PHAETON. From beginning to end your ears will sing and your mind will escape to realms not ventured building and shaping new neurons in your brain."

The album has seven songs, and "Tethys Rising" is first. There is an easy lead-in, followed by lead guitar harmonies. Although it's middle of the road when it comes to the heaviness factor, it is dark at times, and melodic at others. You can catch yourself in the groove. "Discontinuum" is slower, and darker. The leads sing with solemn tones, as if they are trying to tell you a story of their woe. The drummer in particular brings the energy here, but the lead guitarist isn't too far off, and the bass playing is animated as well. "Isochron" features Derek Sherinian on keys, and he brings that undeniable swagger to the song. His tones are unmistakably dark, and powerful, and he produces technical runs of dexterity as much as moments of pure bliss.

"Synesthesia" is more introspective in nature. The tones are also smoother, gentler, and still a bit on the dark side. The leads sing once more, and the band displays their technical skills through some heavily accented passages. "Arachnid" creeps in the way that a spider would. Again the band shows their precision and musicianship, but without sacrificing the melodies and the vibe of the song. "Augmented" has firm tones and a little dancing melody that saunters in. Both the piano and guitar parts are vibrant. "Neurogenesis" is the final offering, and it seems to bring the two main factors in instrumental music together wrapped in a bow…melody, and musicianship.

I've always maintained that instrumental bands have to work harder at their craft, because the lack of vocals is one more thing they have to find a replacement for. Lead guitar breaks can take the place of vocals, as can keyboards. They do a solid job of this on the album, but it's a little thin at times, even a little light. They have the chops, that's for sure. It might be a matter of just sharpening things up a bit.