Derev, an atmospheric progressive-rock/metal band with flourishes of crunchy aggression and Middle Eastern influences, is officially a trio comprised of Italian/Armenian guitarist Armando Bablanian, Syrian/Armenian drummer Michel Karakach and Canadian bassist Liam Horrigan. Yet five of the six tracks on Derev’s debut EP, Leap of Faith, feature vocals courtesy of Adel Saflou.
Lyrics focus on such subjects as technology (“Futile”), tyranny (“Turab”), solitude (“Slipping Down Again”) and war (“Ghost of Guilt”). Saflou’s confident and muscular delivery brings drama to the heaviness, and echoes of Riverside, Pain of Salvation and similar bands abound. What's more, emotional playing from Bablanian and Karakach give these songs a personal touch that adds credibility and soul.
Derev also packs a strong visual punch: “In a cabin by the water/Lies a man with no disdain/Venturing to where dreams transpire/Nothing piercing through the windowpane” and “No more wails to be heard/No stars in the sky to hide below/Carnage of your own transgressions/Burns your flesh/While you still ask for me.”
Happy listening.
Track Listing:
1. Tunnel Vision
2. Turab
3. Futile
4. Delayed
5. Slipping Down Again
6. Ghost of Guilt
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