Degrees Of Truth: Alchemists

Italian progressive metal band Degrees Of Truth formed back in 2016 in Varese, Italy. After a couple albums they switched to Scarlet Records and released Alchemists in 2023. The last few years has seen a few changes in the band with the current lineup being:

Luca Ravezzani (drums)
Gianluca Parnisari (keyboards, piano, additional percussions)
Daniele Brianza (guitars, ukulele)
Lorenzo Corsalina (bass)
Claudia Beltrame (vocals)
Guests:
Khaled Abbas (second guitar solo on track 3)
Richard Henshall (guitar solo on track 9)

The disc boasts a well-balanced attack of keyboards and guitar. The band likes to keep things varied by slowing down the pace and adding mellow, atmospheric moments, with the keyboards often painting the soundscape with additional colours.

The first track, “Imperfect Concoction�, is a lovely instrumental with pretty keyboards and an almost brooding atmosphere. It’s a slow build and nicely orchestrated, kind of cinematic in nature and the choirs are very well done. With the catchy “Godless Symphony�, the guitars and keyboards are both accentuated with varying shades of heavy and light and have a nice flow. Softer parts of keyboards and vocals are followed by chugging riffs further emphasizing the heaviness. Another stellar vocal performance highlights the heavy symphonic pop of “Over the Tide� where the band incorporate some industrial elements and in the majestic “Misconnection� the band move into power ballad mode aided by fantastic use of orchestral keyboards and choirs. Another catchy track is “Tiny Box Of Horrors� featuring huge symphonic builds while the chunky guitar riffs in “Wreckage Of A Lifetime� makes for another highlight. The disc ends with the pretty title track and includes lovely piano and vocals. The guitar riffs add some catchy crunch along the way.

I am very impressed with Alchemists. The band expertly uses orchestral elements and fine musicianship, making their brand of symphonic metal highly addictive and the lead vocals are a major highlight. Highly recommended!

A Scarlet Records release.

Track Listing:
1. Imperfect Concoction (3:52)
2. Godless Symphony (3:49)
3. Over The Tide (4:32)
4. Flightmare (3:35)
5. Wreckage Of A Lifetime (4:04)
6. Misconnection (4:42)
7. Tiny Box Of Horrors (5:04)
8. Thread Of Life (6:05)
9. Bound To Rise (4:53)
10. Alchemists (3:45)

Added: May 5th 2024
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 454
Language: english

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