Caligula's Horse: Charcoal Grace
Charcoal Grace is the sixth studio album from Brisbane, Australia's progressive metal darlings Caligula's Horse, a band I don't have all that much history with, but after getting to know this latest release over the last few months, I've quickly remedied that problem. Comprised of Jim Grey (vocals), Sam Vallen (guitars), Dale Prinsse (bass), and Josh Griffin (drums), these guys play a highly melodic, highly technical, and often 'djenty' form of prog-metal, their music chock full of complex poly-rhythms, crushing riffs, blazing leads, atmosphere, and Grey's multi-faceted vocal attack.
Right from the start, the lengthy "The World Breathes With Me" hits you like a ton of bricks, clicking every prog-metal box that we all crave, while "Golem" follows suit, Grey even tossing in some more gruff vocal passages in between his soaring delivery. The four-part, 24+ minute title track takes the listener on all sorts of twists and turns, nice use of keys in spots, plenty of memorable melodies, atmosphere, and crushing passages to be found, and the lead guitar work is outstanding. "Sails" is a lovely little prog piece, Jim's emotional vocals sucking you right in, while "The Stormchaser" takes a more aggressive and symphonic stance. "Mute" closes the show with 12 minutes of crushing prog-metal, staccato riffs, sizzling leads, and soaring vocals everywhere, and Josh's drums are so dynamic.
There's definitely something going on over in Australia these days when it comes to progressive metal, and if you haven't jumped on board the Caligula's Horse carriage by now, this isn't a bad place to start. Excellent album!
Track Listing
1.
The World Breathes With Me 10:00
2.
Golem 05:20
3.
Charcoal Grace I: Prey 07:47
4.
Charcoal Grace II: A World Without 06:47
5.
Charcoal Grace III: Vigil 03:22
6.
Charcoal Grace IV: Give Me Hell 06:13
7.
Sails 04:31
8.
The Stormchaser 05:57
9.
Mute 12:00
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