Heleven: New Horizons Pt. 2

Heleven are set to release their latest album, New Horizons Pt.2, later this month via Art Gates Records. These Spaniards play an enjoyable style of progressive metal, fusing a range of influences and styles into a relatively cohesive package. I hear some shades of Gojira, Devin Townsend, & Evergrey, along with more modern sounding groove metal, djent, and progressive metal in the mix. Unexpectedly, I hear a little bit of Alice in Chains in the vocals at times too, however, the vocals are really varied over the course of the 10 tracks, so that reference is limited to only a couple of tracks.

The opening track ‘Home’ is a short introduction that features some very deep, almost throat style clean vocals, set to an uplifting chord progression. This track segues nicely into ‘Echoes of the Past’ which is highly reminiscent of Gojira, both vocally and in the guitar riffing (harmonic pick scrapes in included and all!).

If I was going to try and characterize the riffing on this album I’d say we’re dealing with 7-string guitar riffs that are equally groovy as they are melodic and technical. The guitars are often accompanied by some synth layering or other orchestral styled elements that bring some real interest to the arrangements. Tracks like ‘The Mask’ and ‘Killing my Perseus’ are where I’m hearing the Evergrey riffing come to the fore. Melodic numbers such as ‘Empty Promises’ display the band’s ability to craft memorable hooks. The final track on the release ‘Hope’ is set to the same chord progression as the opening track ‘Home’. This is a very Devin Townsend sounding arrangement, which is a good thing. The ‘wall of sound’ production of layered guitars and synths is great. I like the way the album has these two bookends adding a common link to the start and finish of the album- no doubt it provides a sense of closure to the release.

New Horizons Pt.2 was recorded and mixed at H11 Sounds Studio, and mastered by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios. By in large it’s a quality sounding album. Thematically, this album is said to be the continuation of their previous album New Horizons Pt. 1 which is an album I’ve never heard but would be keen to check out after hearing Pt. 2. The style of music is certainly progressive metal, however it's progressive in the same way that Devin Townsend and Evergrey are progressive (as opposed to the ultra-virtuosic, or hyper complex ends of the stylistic spectrum). The 10 track album flows nicely and is an easy and enjoyable listen for me. Definitely worth checking out.

Track Listing
1. Home
2. Echoes of the Past
3. The Mask
4. Wild from the Ashes
5. Killing my Perseus
6. Empty Promises
7. Gernika
8. Why
9. One Day Today
10. Hope

Added: April 8th 2024
Reviewer: Chris Reid
Score:
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Language: english

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