Avelion: Liquid Breathing

Italy's Avelion presents a current trend in progressive metal: chugging guitar and drum rhythms in the djent vein (think Meshuggah) and (what sounds like) digitally processed distortion (Axe Fx?). The three-song Liquid Dreaming isn't so easily dismissed as trendy. There are additional flourishes thanks to piano and synth and even a few dub-step style electronic moments.

The vocals of William Verderi have that certain trait that occurs when an Italian sings in English (if you've heard Lacuna Coil you'll know what I mean). His mid-range delivery is augmented with backing vocals by guitarist Gianmarco Soldi. There are a few growls peppered throughout the songs to add to the heavy atmosphere. The production is high quality and on par with most current metal recordings.

Track one "Liquid Breath" is a great introduction to Avelion. The groovy rhythm and multi-faceted vocals over the symphonic and techno synths is a great combination. The track leaves me waiting for a bigger hook and makes me want to listen to Sybreed. "Ain't No Down" opens with piano and dub-step programming (the famous techno wub-wubs). A few moments of guitar harmonies, some clean guitar, some dirty background vocals; it's got the right ingredients but perhaps I'm just spoiled; to me, something is missing. "Mechanical Faces" is up-tempo and has a cool guitar lick over the double bass drums. Half-tempo syncopation brings us to another verse.

Three quality tracks go by quickly and after listening a few times I hope Avelion stretches out with some more instrumental sections and more upbeat material.

Track Listing
1. Liquid Breath
2. Ain't No Down
3. Mechanical Faces

Added: November 13th 2013
Reviewer: Ryan Good
Score:
Related Link: Band Facebook Page
Hits: 2125
Language: english

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