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Released on March 18, 2014 via Bandcamp
Phineas Gage are named after a 19th Century railroad worker who had the misfortune to have an accident involving dynamite and ended up with an iron bar through his head, somehow surviving! Not particularly relevant, but interesting anyhow. The Manchester five piece play some fairly diverse music, pretty much prog with some modern metal influence. I was surprised to find out that this is their first EP, released in March 2014, since it is a fairly accomplished affair.
The first track, ‘Immortal Wings’ starts in a fairly gentle, melodic way but the track builds and draws you in. On further listens this tracks hints at the musicality and melody that this band is capable of with a little hint of a harder edge. ‘Losing Light’ is a mix of melodic vocals countered with pretty brutal sections. Initially, the clash of vocals didn’t sit very well but I warmed to it after a few listens. It has a very Vinnie Paul tom sound which works really well in this track.
‘Terrify’ is a track that is sure to be a crowd pleaser. A ballad start followed by fantastic detuned guitar chords. The drummer really excels on this track, heavy as hell when he needs to be, but some awesome subtle ride cymbal action in the middle section. It does sound like the band really is able to spread their wings on this track. The guitar solo builds to a great, Kirk Hammett style crescendo. ‘Griffin’ is much more of an urgent, sometimes slightly jarring affair, like a straight up modern metal sound. Again, the drums and the guitar add some colour and depth to this track, ending in a frenetic style. ‘Your God Would Be Ashamed’ is a hard edged, heavy track. It has a Disturbed-esque beginning with some discordant chords with a brutal, urgent section, then ending with an early-era Metallica finish.
This EP has some great and diverse musicality and shows the band’s wide influences well. The tracks are fantastically produced and mixed. The music is complex, but sections are drawn into the fore really well. Keep an eye out for these guys.
