Theandric are a three piece from Detroit, Michigan and they play a blend of Progressive Metal which is loaded with traditional metal influences and vibes. With such a compact line up, the power trio formula and progressive music works rather well. Just look at Rush as a prime example of what three musicians can accomplish in the realm of progressive genres and you can even look at more contemporary progressive three pieces like Virginian trio Iris Divine. Clocking in at four tracks which come to a total runtime of roughly 27 minutes, it’s a decent enough length to show just what the band are capable of whilst having plenty of re-playability, so with that said, let us get on with it.
Title track “Flight Among The Tombs” opens things up with a rather interesting neoclassical organ vibe which is joined by choir like droning and cymbal clashes before it surges to life in an intense and intricate dance of tightly muted guitar riffs which both mirror the organ lines and gallop forth with a life of their own. Melodically rich soloing soon follows as the notes scream out like a classic 80’s metal solo from the school of Adrian Smith. When the verse hits, the vocals have a clear and commanding presence which brings forth the classic metal vibes. Subtle vocal theatrics and moments of bite help keep things interesting and the backing synth work helps give a soaring feel in the choruses whilst the gritty, twisting guitar riff in the verse helps give it some power and rawness.
“The Battle Of Sherramuir” has a more traditional prog and folk feel to its melodic arrangements. The bagpipe melody and classic metal inspired chugging riffs with the theatrical narrative vocal work helps paint a story of eras gone by. The pseudo-Power metal vibes work well, giving it a gripping hook to both the rhythm and the melodies throughout the verses and the choruses. Once again, the vocal and musical direction works rather well, adding in harmony lines and interesting quirks to the track. “Condemned To Death” is the single from this EP and it starts off with a real nasty thick bassline and haunting lead which creates an ominous and unsettling atmosphere. Doom-laden, spooky and occult inspired, this track has a very strong Blue Öyster Cult vibe to it. Lingering arpeggios with delay and chorus provide a back drop for a dramatic vocal delivery and it all clicks together rather nicely. The classic prog rock feel of the track with the doomy overtures are a solid serving of proto-metal and when it kicks in for the shred solo, it has a real sharp edge and the drums in this bit are fantastic. It’s not the track I would have used as a demonstration of what is on offer on this EP, personally I would have led with the first track, but I cannot take anything from this track, it is great!
Closing the EP is “Ozymandias”. This is the longest track on the release and probably the most exotic in how it sounds. The Middle-Eastern flair tinted drone intro shifts into a rhythmically tight, intricate riff which gives mental visions of ancient lands and shifting sands, fitting given that Ozymandias is the Greek given name of the great Pharaoh Ramesses II. This ancient inspired track is probably the most progressive metal leaning track of the release, bearing a few similarities to Ayreon with the excellent story telling through both the lyrics and musical progressions. The smoothly executed solo towards the final third of the track initially starts out as a melodic accompaniment to the vocal line before it goes off, gaining a life of its own and showing off some phenomenal licks and tricks, seemingly trading off with itself as the track pans left and right giving the illusion of two guitarists. It’s executed well and before you know it, the wailing notes trail off into an acoustic refrain closing the track with a subtle melodic hook which surfaces throughout the duration of the song.
In all, Theandric have given us a good four track release. It’s a great advertisement of the band’s sound for those who may have never heard them before and the way they manage to blend the classic metal elements with a modern progressive metal edge is executed well. A full- length release is on the cards at some point, so keep your eyes and ears open for it, because if the quality of this EP is anything to go by, it’s going to be fantastic!
(8/10 Fraggle)
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