Art Of Illusion: Cold War Of Solipsism

I recently had the pleasure of reviewing Polish progressive rock band Yesternight and their excellent debut album The False Awakening. The drummer for that band also drums for Art Of Illusion which released their debut Round Square Of The Triangle in 2013. They are back with their sophomore effort titled Cold War Of Solipsism.

Art Of Illusion are a fine illustration of Polish progressive metal. Fellow patriots Riverside come to mind at times as the music can be quite thoughtful and melancholic although I would never consider this as depressing. The musicianship is both elegant and refined building into heavier parts with smooth transitions and exemplary band interplay.

The disc begins with the short instrumental “Ico�, dominated by mournful keyboards and subtle electronics. “Devious Savior� starts the heavy riffing immediately with dramatic guitar and complex drum patterns. Some excellent interaction between the heavy guitar riffs and orchestral keyboards shows considerable talent. The guitarist shows his stuff but never in an off putting display of showmanship. His varied displays of prowess including pretty arpeggios, chugging riffs, melodic shred and slower forms with feel are really impressive. The part ballad/part heavy melodic prog of “Able To Abide� and the nuanced shifting between mellow and heavy schemes in the slightly melancholic “Santa Muerte� are more fine tracks. One aspect that sets this band apart from run-of-the-mill prog bands is the reliance on piano which is utilized quite frequently in their keyboard arsenal. A nice touch for sure. A disharmonic piano melody, a slow moving tempo and solemn lead vocals begin the epic “King Errant�. Soon the heaviness returns with soaring vocals and powerful guitar riffs. It’s this moodiness and multiple shades of light and dark that really makes this album a great listen.

Filled with superb musicianship, striking lead vocals and artful arrangements, Cold War Of Solipsism is a progressive metal album not to be missed. Highly recommended.

Art Of Illusion is:

Marcin Walczak (vocals, choirs)
Filip Wiśniewski (guitars)
Pawel Lapuć (keyboards, piano)
Mateusz Wiśniewski (bass)
Kamil Kluczy�"ski (drums, choirs)

Track Listing:
1. Ico
2. Devious Savior
3. Allegoric Fake Entity
4. Santa Muerte
5. Able To Abide
6. Cold War Of Solipsism
7. King Errant

Added: October 8th 2018
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 1215
Language: english

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