Ulysses: #eMotion

Ulysses is a progressive rock/metal band hailing from The Netherlands. They formed in 1998 and released their first proper album Symbiosis in 2003 and their follow up Gift of Tears in 2008. I have to say their new album #eMotion is a very nice surprise from another band I had no idea existed just a few short weeks ago.

After a few lineup changes over the years the current players are Michael Hos (vocals), Ron Mozer (keyboards), Sylvester Vogelenzang de Jong (guitar), René van Haaren (drums) and Gijs Koopman (bass, pedals).

The music here runs the fine line between heavy prog rock and progressive metal with catchy melodies and an overall darker vibe. This is a concept album conveying the theme of human emotions so the darker feel is definitely justified. Some tracks convey a subtle electronica feel such as "Surprise" where the keyboards are at times thick and heavy and staccato riffs take the music into progressive metal territory. On "Disgust" the keyboards are again heavy with an electronica bent and the tone is dark and a little brooding whereas "Trust" features excellent acoustic guitar and a more positive vibe. Excellent male/female vocals, dense atmospheric layering and stellar drum work complete the sonic package. The instrumental "Sadness" is another excellent track where darker synths rumble and heavier riffs offer a brooding atmosphere before chiming chords take it home.

The album ends with the one two progressive metal punch of "Happiness" and its emotive lead vocals and catchy chord progressions and the equally absorbing "Anger" where slow and fast tempos and riveting guitar work ensure nary a dull moment.

Ulysses has produced a very impressive third album with #eMotion. Anyone who enjoys the darker side of progressive rock and metal should certainly check it out.

Track Listing:
1. #Disgust: Sleeping Death
2. #Anticipation: City Of Lost Souls/Desolation
3. #Sadness: Lost What Was Not Mine
4. #Trust: A Modern Love Song
5. #Surprise: The Unexpected
6. #Fear: When Love Becomes…
7. #Happiness: Honk If You're Happy
8. #Anger: Providence/God For One Day

Added: March 8th 2016
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 2025
Language: english

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