Instrumental music can be somewhat of a labyrinth to navigate, without the guidance of vocals songs can get lost in their ways. From their infancy song writing has been paramount to Scale The Summit. Previous to their release of their fifth album the album underwent a change in the guard as their previous drummer exited the band. Many say that change can be beneficial for a band, birthing a new sense of musicality, new ideas from a fresh perspective. However it can also has disasterously negative consequences…
[tracklist]
1. The Winged Bull
2. Soria Moria
3. Pontus Euxinus
4. Trapped In Ice
5. Stolas
6. The Isle Of Mull
7. Kestral
8. Oort Cloud
9. Blue Sun
10. The Golden Bird
[/tracklist]
[details]
[length]50:00[/length]
[record_label]Prosthetic Records[/record_label]
[release_date]September 18th 2015[/release_date]
[/details]
The key to creating the perfect instrumental song lies within balance. Ensuring that you know when to strip back the technicality, using flurries of instrumental muscles flexing instead of non stop shredding. Previously releasing their album The Migration, Scale The Summit seemed to have this understanding embedded in their writing process. Though now that they have said goodbye to previous drummer and announced a new member it has somewhat given them a new lease of life.
For those unsure about the new direction on the new album rest assured if you’re looking for some good old fashioned riffing then “Trapped In Ice” will no doubt happily please your appetite. Beginning with a heavy introduction reliant on a bulldozer style before the instrumental interplay begins culminating in a beautiful dream like reverb which glides into first single “Stolas“. Another fitting example of just what Chris Letchford and Travis Levrier are capable of, whereas previous record was more of a sit and relax affair V is a lot more active in its delivery. There are still moments of serenity in “Soria Moria” that echo the initial sound the band had on Carving Desert Canyons.
Aided by the interesting inclusion of the song’s titles in the artwork the listener is given an idea deciphering the instrumental landscape. Often hard without a direct approach ie vocals. It also makes for a more engaging listen which again to its instrumental style can be passive. Nevertheless the beautiful melodies of “The Isle Of Mull” are enough to be even the hardest rockers’ lullaby. It would seem that with V the band opted for a slightly more technical approach incorporating their signature tapping sections still yet putting more emphasis on the rhythm side of things this could be down to the recent change in line up. Nevertheless it breathes some life into what could sometimes be slightly too dialled back sections putting the punch where it is needed.
Contrasting to previous the albums opener is a slow drift instead of the smack down at that was “The Odyssey” which has at times left my attention to wander yet by the mid point of the album the band are back in the drivers seat. The tremolo picking and tapping that the band are known for, takes over until the stark contrast of a stop start riff appears in “Kestral” culminating in a grandiose finale. Oscillating in perfect harmony the following “Oort Cloud” in its infancy of the most serene the band have created for a perfect juxtaposition to the previous track until the organically implemented augmented sections lead the song to retain more of a bite even including a bass solo section.
The trouble with creating music like that of instrumental Metal there can be a possibility to repeat yourself. Enlisting new drummer J.C Bryant into their ranks the band have put a new spin on their sound. Making for an interesting and well, more ballsy approach, without losing their iconic sound. No doubt V will work it’s normal magic and ensnare new listeners but for those who have been here since the days of Canyons, this is Scale The Summit truly beginning to come into their own. If The Migration was the band’s beginning of a journey then V is where they have colonised and sit proudly.
[verdict]Yes[/verdict]
[why]Scale The Summit continue to delight with their inimitable brand of instrumental Metal. Gaining a new member it has given the band a sense of oomph focusing less on instrumental aspects and more on perfecting songs themselves. Change is good. [/why]
