YUNALESCA is a name that might ring a bell for any nerdy Metalheads. But now it's not just a name from Final Fantasy, it's a musical project started by Dallas, Texas based vocalist Andrew Patterson. After having done only vocals in other bands, Patterson decided to strap on his guitar and make his own project. And the result is impressive. With help from Trevor Scott of BROJOB, this debut album is an absolute masterpiece that will fit perfectly in any Metalhead's collection, regardless of nerd status.

From the opening, it is clear that these are two Talented people. I wouldn't have guessed that there were only two members of this band. And that impresses me more. Now, there is a little something that's missing. Patterson plays an excellent guitar, but he's not a guitar player and that makes a difference in the style. But he's excellent nonetheless and I have mad respect for those solo projects out there. It takes Talent, dedication, skill, and buttloads of Time to do what those guys do. So, anyone who pulls it off on this level absolutely gets a high five from me.

"Chasing Phantoms" punched me right in the feels. Patterson slows it down here and gets more emotional. We still get his squealing growl, but he also shows off his beautifully clean vocals. It's difficult for a vocalist to be able to pull off both and I commend Patterson for his ability and for his poignant lyrics, which he manages to sing clearly without sounding whiney, always a feat!

"Overcoming" was another track I really enjoyed. Again, the lyrics and vocals hit home pretty hard. I'm deeply impressed by Trevor Scott's drumming. The dude is a madman. Throughout this album I keep finding myself absolutely delighted by his style. I haven't enjoyed drumming like this since early Mario Duplantier, back in the days of "The Link" before he got all tired and medicated or whatever happened to him. Scott's style is powerful, energetic, and fun. He has flair and adds extra notes in where other drummers might not. He's got that special something that can really make a band's music extraordinary. He's got Zazz.

Honestly, as impressed as I am by these two, I would really love to see YUNALESCA as a four or five piece. There is some depth and fullness missing from this music that I think could be remedied by bringing in some other musical minds. Patterson is Talented, but we hear the limits of his talents in the music, and it leaves a teeny, tiny something to be desired.

Overall, though, this album is amazing. These are two brilliant musicians who obviously deserve our applause. YUNALESCA brings us emotionality, brutality, nerdiness, and anti-establishment all rolled up in Patterson's powerful voice and Scott's sublime drumming. Truly an amalgamation. Truly a masterpiece.