"Shards of Apocalypse" is the first of many desirable songs on Humananke a fine new challenging progressive metal debut from the group Embrace Of Disharmony. From Rome, Italy the band's origins take us back to 2006 so it must be a great feeling to finally see the release of their first album in 2014. Embrace Of Disharmony's songs are quite experimental not your standard garden variety of progressive group, their music is atmospheric, complex and unpredictable just like the vocals both clean female and male and there is also a dark input. Embrace Of Disharmony are clearly talented enough to convincingly pull it off.
Embrace Of Disharmony have also done very well recruiting some notable guests for Humananke, these include solos spots from guitarist Rafael Bittencourt (Angra), keyboardist Gabriele Caselli (Eldritch) and bass player Mike Lepond (Symphony X). While vocalist Kobi Farhi (Orphaned Land) also has an appearance.
The influences in their material range from the progressive to darker forms of metal, that diverse sound is what makes this band so appealing it's like listening to Symphony X or Adagio who then become Dimmu Borgir. Speaking of Dimmu Borgir "Shards of Apocalypse" has one of those wonderful orchestral introductions like that band is known for, followed by some gripping progressive metal and Embrace Of Disharmony's vocal diversity on this epic track. Instrumental "Ab Nihilo's" soaring guitar and nimble keyboards take us into the very welcome tracks "The Eternal Champion" and "Identity" two of my favourites on Humananke showcasing the heavy progressive side of this band. "The Edge Of Nowhere" has more challenging music and colourful ethnic touches. "Dirge on a Soul Staring at the Star's" dramatic introduction leads to some catchy metal and animated performances and there is much more in store as the album progresses.
Fans of those bands mentioned above who are open to something a touch more "out there" should seek out Humananke.
To Mera are always high on my list of preferred groups, and it's great to hear other bands like Embrace Of Disharmony who also have that technical prowess and are not afraid to incorporate such diversity into their songs.
Track Listing
1. Shards of Apocalypse
2. Ab Nihilo
3. The Eternal Champion
4. Identity
5. The Edge of Nowhere
6. Dirge on a Soul Staring at the Stars
7. By the Hands of the Moirai
8. Void
9. A Descent into the Maelstrom
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