When I think of metal bands from the San Francisco Bay Area it's usually of the thrash kind, not a progressive metal group. Well here is one whom go by the name of Utopian Trap and now have released their second full length studio album The Human Price. Influences are many for Utopian Trap with a range of groups from Opeth, Dream Theater, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Zero Hour, Iced Earth, Megadeth, Symphony X and Godsmack to Pink Floyd. Though on experiencing this album it becomes quite apparent that their musical tastes aren't just of the metal and rock genres.
As my introduction to this group I am so impressed with The Human Price, from the adventurous extended title track "The Human Price" Utopian Trap have plenty to offer those who enjoy quality progressive music of the heavier format. Those sweet guitar riffs of "Wired Ruins" are so effective adding to the charms of this wonderful progressive metal track with great performances all round. Whilst the lively instrumental "Verge" sure does have it and despite being strongly influenced by music of the heavy kind Utopian Trap don't always bring that metal, as the other two instrumental tracks "Atephobic" and "Devil's Promenade" show other sides to the band such as jazz and acoustic music. One thing is for sure Utopian Trap are not your average progressive band as capable musicians regularly displaying their strong chops like the bass work on "Atephobic", and The Human Price is not your run of the mill kind of album.
Track Listing
1. The Human Price
2. Wired Ruins
3. Verge
4. Atephobic
5. The Final Figure
6. Walls of Justice
7. Devil's Promenade
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