Evolvement
Tegmentum
"The cosmic theme of our concept album 'Evolvement' is an allegory for self-discovery that boldly explores an emotional spectrum of euphoric highs and very deep lows," notes Michael Ball. "It represents a struggle with seemingly unknowable cosmic forces to create an emotional balance where light and dark elements can coexist. We hope to create a captivating sound that pushes the Progressive Metal genre in a meaningful way. The extreme musical overtones give this project a unique edge while containing the hallmarks of top-tier Progressive Metal acts."
The album has eight songs. "Innocuous" is the opening song, and what a fitting title. The tones are both warm and pretty, and guitars play nicely with strings. Still, even amidst the beauty, there are some darker tones in the background. "Moments Ago" has a much fuller, richer, and aggressive sounds, with harsh vocals. The music is played in very tight sequences and even though it is a harder structure, it is not without some very nice melodies. They help to temper the weight. "Accolades" glitters with melody and accompanying harmonies in the guitar work. Bass, drums and vocals work together to hold down the heavy, punishing elements. The clean passage after the half-way mark is totally surprising but is welcoming and inviting.
"Amygdala" is wrapped so tightly that you wouldn't even know where to being unravelling it. It's akin to Tech Death on some level but not regimented quite as much. One thing is for sure, this quartet is talented. The drums periodically roll faster than the human ear can count. Don't look for overt melodies here, although there are some within the guitar work. "Emergent Properties" is a very short, one-minute song. "Genetic Assimilation" is another super-charged sound of sturdy, tenacious passages where the meter seems like it is just being toyed with by the band. It is pretty much like getting kicked over and over when you are already down and out.
"I Remain" is even thicker, if you can imagine. The roots of the trees have bonded together, and risen up, presenting an impenetrable wall. The album grows heavier as it moves along. Though again, there are some fleeting melodies. "Gospel of Sand" closes the album; a nine-minute beast. The first few minutes are horridly punishing. There is a brief reprieve, but the creature seems to go stronger as the song carries on. What was once a foul beast has grown four times his original side, and he is slaying everything in his path. The end of the song is like the silence after mass murder. Progressive Music is one of those very expansive genres of Metal where the boundaries are pretty forgiving. Although much of their sound is sophisticated, complicated, and ruthless, you can tell that the band are consummate musicians, and they have presented a new breed of Progressive music here.
8 / 10
Excellent
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production
"Evolvement" Track-listing:
1. Innocuous
2. Moments Ago
3. Accolades
4. Amygdala
5. Emergent Properties
6. Genetic Assimilation
7. I Remain
8. Gospel of Sand
Tegmentum Lineup:
Michael Ball - Guitars
Chelsea Murphy - Vocals
Kenji Tsunami - Bass
Andrew Baird - Drums
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