The word “enigma” can
be defined as a person, thing, or situation that is puzzling or mysterious, or
something with a hidden meaning such as a riddle. As I look at the cover, with what looks like
the forces of light and dark locked in battle in front of a cosmic background,
“enigma” seems to be the appropriate word to sum it up. With two years of
production clocked in, Enigma is Aeon
Zen’s third album that is sure to impress listeners with a masterful blend of
genres and creativity. This is the type
of album that becomes more and more enjoyable with each listen.
Consisting
of Rich Hinks (vocals, guitar, bass), Andi Kravljaca (vocals), Matt Shepherd
(guitar), Shaz (keyboards), and Steve Burton (drums), Aeon Zen is a rising star
in their native UK’s
progressive scene since their formation in 2008 and first release in 2009. Over four years into their formation, Enigma is progressive metal in its top
form. Hinks stated that the band has "tried to push ourselves with every
aspect of this album…“From the concept, to the flow of each song into the next,
to the interplay with vocalists, and everything in between.” It looks like all that effort has paid off
and made a marvelous album.
The
musical journey begins with “Enter the Enigma.” It starts off slow before
unleashing its power and washing over you like a destructive wave. It is
captivating with its mysterious and majestic quality and this is just the
beginning of what is to come. The
crushing “Artificial Soul” is followed by “Divinity,” which comes out blazing
and does not let up. Also, it has a
great mix of clean and growling vocals and is probably the heaviest song on the
album. The serene and mellow “Seven
Hills” shows off the contrast of two sides of their music. They can do loud, fast, and heavy or somber,
slow, and light while still making quality music. Nothing suffers from the change of pace.
“Warning”
is brilliant from start to finish.
“Turned to Ash” is a haunting song that gets better and better as it
goes along. “Still Human” dazzles with its keyboard opening. A keyboard has never sounded this good to me
and it holds its own against the guitars and the drums. The solemn “Eternal
Snow” keeps the keyboards on prominent display in the beginning before the
guitar takes center stage in the second half.
“Downfall” ends Enigma with
jaw dropping skill that showcases the talent that has made this album of the
top notch variety.
Aeon
Zen’s Enigma is a phenomenal
album. It burns with the brilliance of a
lone star in the darkest of skies. They
hoped to create an album that was their “strongest and most ambitious album of
music to date… (and their) best album yet.” From where I am
sitting, they did just that. The progressive metal
bar is set for 2013. Good luck to anyone
trying to compete with these guys, because they are going to need it.
5/5
Stars
Key
Tracks: Enter the Enigma, Divinity, Warning, Turned to Ash, Still Human,
Downfall
Brian McKinnon – Sr. MuzikReviews.com Staff
January 7, 2013
No comments:
Post a Comment