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Aeon Zen: Enigma

Progressive Metal

4.5/5.0

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Nightmare Records
by Craig Hartranft,  01.12.2013

Offering another slice of ambitious progressive metal is Aeon Zen with their third long player, Enigma. A project begun by composer and guitarist Rich Hinks has developed into a full band since the sophomore release The Face of the Unknown. While in the past Hinks had a host of guest vocalist on the previous albums, and some on this one, Aeon Zen now has a lead vocalist in Andi Kravljaca, who has a smooth melodic metal style. The guest vocalists on Enigma are Nate Loosemore (Lost In Thought), Atle Pettersen (Above Symmetry) and Jonny Tatum (Eumeria).

Aeon Zen:: slaves to fashion.

There's nothing enigmatic about Aeon Zen's stylish progressive metal. The band continues to blend both classic progressive rock and metal in a melodic and technical, though not grossly inaccessible, in a premium package. Still Human, Seven Hills, and Warning are only several songs that display the effortless intrigue and playfulness of the band in both arrangement and musicianship.

What is enigmatic is the lyrical concept and certain vocal arrangements used by Aeon Zen in a few songs. To the former, Enigma is said to be a concept album, but I have no information concerning the specifics. To the latter, Aeon Zen has some vocalist doing death vocals within Divinity and in the latter third of Eternal Snow. Both are brilliant songs, only made annoying by these additions. Perhaps the inclusion has something to do with the concept. Thankfully, these vocals are minimal; unfortunately, they make a nearly perfect album less so.

Nevertheless, despite this caveat, Enigma is another terrific accomplishment from Aeon Zen, highly intriguing and very entertaining.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

Enigma is another terrific accomplishment from Aeon Zen, highly intriguing and very entertaining progressive metal, despite a minimal inclusion of annoying death vocals.

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By now it's old news. Everybody in the prog universe knows: Dream Theater got the band back together. Drummer and founding member Mike Portnoy returned to his Dream Theater family to celebrate their 40th ... [ Read More ]