Counter World Experience: Metronomicon

Imagine what would happen if King Crimson decided to play instrumental metal. No, you wouldn't get an instrumental equivalent of Red – you'd get Germany's Counter World Experience.

The band calls itself "Jazz Metal". Well - there are jazzy overtones, but "Art Metal", or "MIO" (Metal In Opposition), are probably more accurate labels. The band also describes itself as "Meshggah-style grooves with Pat Metheney-like textures". That's far more accurate.

There are very angular sections reminiscent of classic-prog. Many areas show a strong classical influence, and overriding it all is a heavy metal vibe with wonderful complexity, variety and melody. The music is principally guitar-led, yet it never gets boring. The guitar / bass / drums trio plays tightly crafted compositions, and the sound is augmented by guest artists, occasional piano, female vocals, synthesizer, guitar-synth, and a string quartet.

It may be metal but it's unconventional, challenging, and Progressive with a capital "P".

Metronomicon is definitely one of the finds of the year.


Track Listing:
1. Deus Ex Machina
2. Metronomicon
3. Fuego Barbarico
4. Metis
5. Quintus
6. Deep Waters
7. Digital Dust
8. Youth
9. End Of The Path

Added: December 1st 2009
Reviewer: Duncan Glenday
Score:
Related Link: The Band's MySpace Site
Hits: 2241
Language: english

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