Label: Independent
I think
that Progressive Metal is one of the strongest genres out there in music today,
with no shortage of talented bands making amazing music that will still be
listened to decades later. Progressive
bands are unafraid to take risks and push boundaries with their music. Not caring about what mainstream sound is
selling at the moment, they create music the way great writers or painters create
new worlds. Distorted Harmony is no
exception, adding another pillar to this already sturdy genre.
Based out of Tel Aviv, Israel and founded in 2010,
Distorted Harmony consists of Misha Soukhinin (vocals), Guy Landau (guitars),
Yoav Efron (keyboards), Iggy Cohen (bass), and Yogev Gabay (drums). Describing their sound as “a delicate
combination of the complex progressive metal, the unique harmonies of modern
Jazz and Classical music and some heavy shit,” Distorted Harmony established
themselves as a leading progressive metal band in Israel with their 2012 debut
album, Utopia. Their sophomore album, Chain Reaction, seeks to build upon that foundation and launch
Distorted Harmony toward global prominence.
Their
self-description is neither boasting nor is it facetious. “Every Time She
Smiles” is the perfect introduction to the sound of Distorted Harmony. The ambient opening gives way to a heavier
sound in the beginning instrumental part for a perfect blend of harmonies. Then Misha Soukhinin’s soothing voice chimes
in to take the song to new heights. “Children
of Red” wastes no time by coming out heavy and unrelenting. Its juicy riffs, funky bass, and catchy
chorus make for one unforgettable song that will leave listeners hypnotized. Songs such as “Hollow” are more
traditional. It is a straight-up hard
rocking tune with an excellent guitar solo that stands out prominently.
They
also know how to let the music do all the taking with the instrumental “Nothing
(But the rain).” It is the type of song
where the music is constantly rising, moving toward a cathartic conclusion. Then there is the acoustic “As You Go.” It is a beautiful sounding song, with thanks
to those vocals that are so calm inducing.
Chain Reaction goes out with
authority, as its final two songs are bewildering in their brilliance. With its crunchy chords, crushing drums, and
a sense of uncontrollable energy, “Natural Selection” is a progressive metal
masterpiece. “Methylene Blue” starts off
slow and controlled, rising toward its eventual release half-way through the
song. The drums and guitar take over
with the force of a conquering army. It
is off to the races with a cavalcade of sound before returning to the serenity
of the beginning, which leads us out.
Chain Reaction is the sophomore
album that every band dreams of recording.
The elegance, intricacy, and complexity of it has me thinking of some of
my favorite progressive bands, such as Tool and Pain of Salvation. This is no mistake, as these guys have proven
that they belong with the best that the progressive metal world has to offer and
Chain Reaction is the proof.
5/5
Stars
Key
Tracks: Every Time She Smiles, Children of Red, Natural Selection, Methylene
Blue
Tracks:
Every Time She Smiles
Children of Red
Misguided
Nothing (But the rain)
As One
Hollow
As You GoNatural Selection
Methylene Blue
Brian McKinnon
July 21, 2014
Review
Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk
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