Driftglass: All That Remains

Another excellent release has made its across my listening desk in the form of Canadian band Driftglass and their debut album All That Remains. The band formed out of the ashes of Dissident Saint who released an album in 2007. Band members include Alvin Ihsani (vocals), Gera Kisselman (lead, rhythm and acoustic guitars), Ilya Maximenko (lead, rhythm and acoustic guitars), Andrei Zaretski (keyboards, piano), Alon Shenfield (bass, mandolin, glockenspiel) and Jeff Marshman (drums).

The playing throughout All That Remains is top notch. The band mostly delves into progressive metal and have the musical chops to play with many of the genre's bigger names. Bands like Dream Theater, Tool and Rush are certainly influences but by no means is this a copycat disc. Smooth rhythmic changes, fantastic guitar playing and Ihsani's melodic lead vocals is what this disc is all about with just enough keyboards and piano to give these songs a slightly moodier edge. A melancholic keyboard intro begins the album's first track "Insects in a Jar" before the music gets much heavier. Nice keyboard fills and stellar background harmonies complete the package. "Thrown Out to Shore" is a nice blending of soft and heavy with the progressive metal bits reminding me a little of Tool. The band is able to stop the heaviness on a dime, leading to soft piano and acoustic guitar, showcasing just how talented they are. "Evelyn" is a gentler, moodier piece with soaring vocals and seamless tempo changes. In "Devil of My Dreams" soaring lead guitar and interesting rhythmic patterns hint at Rush or Dream Theater whereas the tranquil beginning of "My Last Lament" soon turns into an all-out prog metal riff fest. The album ends with the two longest tracks, "The Unfolding" and "All That Remains" featuring great playing all around from powerful riffs to delicate acoustics.

All That Remains is both melodic and adventurous and should provide hours of enjoyment for progressive rock/metal fans who choose to seek it out. I can safely recommend it without hesitation.

Track Listing:
1. Insect in a Jar
2. Thrown Out to Shore
3. Evelyn
4. Devil of My Dreams
5. My Last Lament
6. Disconnected
7. The Rise
8. The Unfolding
9. All That Remains

Added: December 31st 2014
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 2390
Language: english

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