Here’s a band comprised of veteran metal musicians, including some from the Hawaiian Eighties band Sacred Rite (guitarist Jimmy Caterine and bassist Pete Crane), who have created an elaborate concept album inspired by the apocalyptic prophecies of Native American tribal elders. The elders warned of cataclysmic immune responses to a human species out of balance with the Earth. The 13 songs are linked with themes of the contagious psychospiritual disease known as “wetiko” -- described in Algonquian folklore as a cannibalistic mind parasite that is the embodiment of gluttony, selfishness and greed. Themes of environmental calamities, historical events and colonialism are explored through the lens of Native American doomsday prophecies. Dark stuff.
(I admit I pulled much of these details from the band’s promotional materials, which dig into the concept much deeper than I could.)
If you’re intrigued so far, you need to know that Imaginal Cells combines elements of classic rock (think Iron Maiden meets Pink Floyd) and prog metal (think Dream Theater meets Enchant). There’s a vintage vibe to this record, despite its urgent contemporariness, and lead vocalist and guitarist Ethan Foxx delivers intelligent lyrics in an organic voice that shapeshifts to suit the music. The inclusion of lush vocal harmonies on tracks like “The Spirit of Things” and “The Promise of Tomorrow” add to the album’s overall impact.
If you like your music smart, melodic, colorful and relevant, Purified is worth seeking out.
Track Listing
1. Wetiko (Disease of Greed)
2. Purified
3. Tar Sands Wastelands
4. Black Snake
5. The Spirit of Things
6. Uprooted
7. Missing
8. Moment of Truth
9. Battlecry
10. Mauna Kea
11. Children of the Earth
12. The Promise of Tomorrow
13. Imaginal Cells
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