I will be the first to admit that I am not the most versed person on the new evolution of progressive metal as it doesn’t have much that I find interesting. I like some of it but I find that bands within this genre of metal try to hard to create epic songs that it becomes somewhat of a bore for me and I lose interest. All of the bands in this genre may be great but I will take my music within the 2 to 5 minute range and not some 12 minute epic. So, you may ask, why are you reviewing an album by a progressive metal band if you are not into the genre? Well, there is a simple answer; their promo kit basically sold me on the band before I heard note one. So kudos to their PR crew for making me interested, your ploy worked on this guy! But, I am glad that I took the chance on this album as I was truly rewarded for my curiosity of this band and their take on progressive metal.
The complexity that Sleepers Awake brings to their music is really nothing short of brilliant. They have created a sound that really transcends the genre of progressive metal and have confidently and masterfully mixed in a bit of sludge/stoner, post rock, and aggressive hardcore metal into this solid and well produced album. What Dream Theater and Opeth have been trying to create for years Sleepers Awake have mastered on Transcension. The opening song 'The Augur' starts with a crusty, groovy, sludge opening riff and slowly moves into a complex progressive riff with Chris Thompson’s vocals leading the way. These songs as well as most on the album are experiences rather than just songs on an album. Sleepers Awake lead you on a journey that is nothing short of magical while treating you to a soundtrack that has the listener captivated from the first note.
The brilliance of this album is the fluidity that the band is able to achieve moving from the progressive sound into the multiple other genres that are present on the album including the use of rough vocals on a couple of the songs which came as a shock to me. But, like everything else on this album that is also done brilliantly and confidently to enhance the story and not just as a gimmick. The standout track on the album is the second song 'Burden'. At over nine minutes long this song is a roller coaster ride of well constructed musical movements that grip at the base of the conscience and deliver a rewarding experience throughout.
As I said earlier I am not the foremost expert on progressive music and thankfully I don’t have to be to enjoy the brilliant offering that Sleepers Awake have produced. With the intricate changes and rhythms of progressive metal and the groove and riffs of sludge and stoner to the growling mad vocals this album is easily one of the most unique and enjoyable albums out so far this year. Transcension is an appropriate name for this album as it doesn’t only transcend the genres of metal but it also allows the listener to transcend with the talent and competence of this band. Believe me when I tell you that you do not want to miss out on this album it will reward you with its complexities in a most enjoyable way!
Until later, Peace!
