Prime example of dark prog metal
Murat Batmaz | Istanbul, Turkey | 03/12/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"WithoutEnding's self-titled album is a great debut. Produced by noted producer Endel Rivers, this band should be added to the amazing list of Australian bands, right up there with the likes of Eyefear, Vanishing Point, and Black Majesty. WithoutEnding's style is considerably darker than these acts though. This trio plays a signature mix of early-90's Fates Warning meets the more atmospheric stuff of Queensryche. At times quite technical and guitar-friendly, the band also likes to experiment with darker and deeper ideas, utilising solemn acoustic guitars and some keyboard lines by guests Bill Kadi and Endel Rivers himself. Needless to say, the results are impressive, especially considering Nicholas Georgakopoulos' great voice. He has a strong midtempo voice that lends the band a unique edge, but what's more interesting is, Georgakopoulos also plays the drums on the album and does a great job.
Most of the songs on this album are filled with semi-technical guitar riffage and moments of the 90's incarnations of Rush. WithoutEnding's writing is divided between the stuff we were accustomed to hearing from most Norwegian bands in the mid-90's, such as Trivial Act, Manitou, and Conception circa Flow, and perhaps, the more metallic versions of contemporary prog rock (bands like Tiles and Enchant come to mind). On "Again", there are a plethora of influences, emphasizing ever-changing riffs and melodies, extended drum solos, and heavy, rhythmically complex arrangements. However, the following piece "In Transit" is a more atmospheric cut, with plenty of keys and acoustic guitars dominating it. Halfway through, Michael Totta throws in some angular guitar chords in the mix to widen its scope. "Analyse" features some female vocals in the beginning, before a cold, menacing bass works its way in the mix and, with the inclusion of a dreamy synth melody, creates a beautiful mood. "I Still Remember" explores the breakdown in relationships, and is perhaps the most brooding song on the album. Georgakatoulos' vocals are amazing here.
"Searching for Meaning" is littered with mind-bending riffs, but always leaves room for melodic content. The song has a nice symphonic backdrop to it, but it's once again Totta's shifts of dynamics and quirky note choices that makes this track all the more interesting. The Manitou meets Trivial Act reference is best noticeable on "Descend", where Georgakatoulos also plays a cool drum solo. In this way, he reminds me of the Wolverine drummer on their first full-length. It must be tough to handle both the drumming and singing for him, but honestly, I'd hate to see him leave either of them. "Comfort Zone" sounds like a jazzified Tiles cut on their first disc with more female vocals, while "The Third Day" is the album's most emotional piano ballad suggesting time heals all wounds, no matter what. It closes the album on a hopeful note, once again proving how amazing Georgakatoulos vocals are in an almost a capella context.
I look forward to hearing what this band comes up with next. Their dark tone and odd-timed riffs and melodies should appeal to a vast prog audience."
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1
