A step that sees them throw their hat in the ring to become serious contenders in the Prog Metal world.
It's been three years since their acclaimed debut 'Misguided' brought the name of New York's Infinite Spectrum to the attention of followers of Progressive Metal worldwide. To build on that initial promise, they would have to produce something altogether bigger, bolder and more expansive than their opening offer. 'Haunter Of The Dark' might just have achieved that.
Talk about ambitious. Basing an album on a short story by horror writer H.P. Lovecraft could fall flat in the wrong hands, but IS have picked up the gauntlet and risen to the challenge big time, producing an impressive musical work to match their lyrical vision.
'Prologue: Providence, Winter, 1934' sets the scene, laying the foundations for the unfolding story before 'Federal Hill' weaves some intricate Prog patterns, the keyboards of Katie Pachnos adding a dreamy layer of atmosphere across the verse with a rather irresistible, simple yet effective melody heading towards the chorus.
Vocalist Will Severin has the power and range to meet the demands of the likes of 'Haunter Of The Dark' and 'Fear', coming across as a blend of Charlie Dominici with a hint of Steve Walsh and John Elefante thrown into the mix.
The sprawling five-part epic 'The Church' clocks in at well over eighteen minutes, starting off with some delicate guitar and keyboards before taking a myriad of twists and turns in tempo and mood with enough flashes of intricate musicianship to keep even the most ardent of Prog-heads more than satisfied. Fans of Dream Theater, Vanden Plas and Symphony X will just lap this up.
With '2:12 AM' and the title track hitting the ten minute or so mark, this was never going to be an easy listen or one to put on when in mixed company, but persevere and the joys will be revealed on subsequent listens.
Infinite Spectrum has taken a huge step forward with 'Haunter Of The Dark'. It's a step that sees them throw their hat in the ring to become serious contenders in the Prog Metal world.
Mick Burgess
Subscribe to this comment's feed
