Lead by guitarist, singer and founding member Dean Wells, TERAMAZE’s music weaves together elements of progressive, thrash, and melodic metal, creating a sound that pushes the boundaries of the genre. They came to be known as one of the most prolific progressive metal bands boasting 3 full-length albums in the span of 12 months, from 2020-2021 during the global pandemic. These albums created a mass of new fans, as well as keeping the existing ones excited, engaged and craving more.  Their new album, “Eli: A Wonderful Fall from Grace,” further showcases their evolution as a band and solidifies their status as one of the most diverse and conceptual acts in modern progressive metal.

“A Place Called Halo” is a short introduction to “The Will of Eli.” One thing that the band does very well and is evident from the start of this tender, emotional song is push harmony and melody. They push it over hills, through mountains, and across seas. Although the song is peppered with symphony, the Progressive elements take a back seat, as they should. “Step Right Up” is another long offering, but the strange part about these songs is that you hardly notice the length, because they suck you in and engage you throughout the listening experience. This song is melodic, sturdy, and memorable.

“I Mantissa” is a short transition piece, and the mood suddenly darkens. “Madam Roma” has a heavier vibe in the main riff, and it’s time to lay down some shadow and flame. Tension hangs in the air, until it is released with the wonderful lead break that features weighted emotional peaks. “Standing Ovation” has a faster and more energetic pace, and the passionate touches that run through the album are heightened, mostly from a change in how the vocals are presented. “Hands are Tied” is that powerful, tender song that I have been waiting for. Piano and vocals are the medium at first, followed by guitar, and the entire time, the song is building from shadow to light. This is the big punch that the band is famous for in my opinion.

The opus that it the title track closes the album. Throughout the song, a strong melody keeps flowing, like the everlasting ideal of peace in a world marred with cruelty and malice. The song carries these feelings like a torch, refusing to give up, and in the end, I am left with a smile on my face. Those who are familiar with the band know how talented they are, and they can cut loose with the best Progressive bands. Restraint is the name of the game on this album. It takes much more of an ego to focus on songwriting instead of a bevy of time changes and an overwhelming display of musical prowess. Their prolific songwriting as of late has showed a band that has honed in and hunkered down, and this album is wonderful.