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Taking more contemporary influences into
their music, OSI the “supergroup” of prog bands produces
“Blood” an album that infuses influence including everything
from Radiohead to Arcade Fire while still keeping their
connection to bands like Dream Theater (not a surprise given
that former Dream Theater member vocalist/keyboardist Kevin
Moore leads the band with guitarist/keyboardist Jim Atheos
best known for his tenure in Fates of Warning. The collision
of prog metal and alt rock informs every track on “Blood”
the supergroup’s latest album. ***
What’s surprising is that the band manages
to still be melodic given the influences and background
of the band members. Sure the playing can be as aggressive
and in-your-face as a lot of other metal prog bands but
at its heart every song has a solid sense of melody driving
the song. As atmospheric as the production and melodies
themselves sound “Blood” manages to combine a variety of
different influences from a variety of very different eras.
***
All of that said, “Blood” isn’t a masterpiece.
It lacks the cohesive sense and inspired songwriting that
made some of OSI’s other albums so impressive. It’s a step
in the right direction though for a band that seems as intent
as stepping out and trying to include a variety of new,
different influences to create their own unique sound and
style. ***
The playing is top notch throughout and
in a just world Jim Matheos would be a guitar hero with
a large following. ---
Sound:
As with most contemporary releases, the
album tends to be a bit too loud sacrificing dynamic range
and taking the volume control out of the hands of listeners.
That’s a bit of a problem particularly if you’re someone
who likes to crank it up to 11 without distorting the music.
There’s also a fair amount of digital clipping that occurs
along the way because of the increased volume however like
a lot of new releases there seems to be a slight step away
from participating in the “Loudness Wars” that have damaged
so much worthwhile music. ---
Final Words:
A worthwhile, musically fascinating mixed
brew that combines a variety of different styles from two
distinct subgenres of music, OSI’s “Blood” has its moments
that will make it worthwhile for fans of the band.
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