Aton Five: Aton Five

Aton Five is a Moscow based progressive rock band that formed in 2014 and in 2018 released their debut album titled Solarstalgia. Lineup changes ensued, as happens with many bands, but in 2023 saw the release of their self-titled second album. I missed the first album and after listening to their latest I really need to dig into the debut.

The players are:
Anton Ablov (organ, synth, piano)
Roman Makushev (drums)
Alexander Seleznev (guitars, additional keyboards, voice on track 5)
Mikhail Zenkov (bass)
Matthew Borun (organ and piano solos on track 4)
Michael Kalra (tambourine)

The album begins with the outstanding “Alienation� with its wild progressive metal riffage, fine synthesizer solos, odd meter changes, and overall virtuoso musicianship. What’s interesting is that this never feels like a ‘let’s see how fast we can play’ kind of thing. Amidst the outstanding playing the band has crafted some fine melodies so as to hold your attention. The synth sounds and solos are particularly engaging, adding another layer of excitement to this excellent track. “Naked Void� has a darker vibe coursing through its soundscape along with a good amount of tension. The slide guitar solo immediately reminded me of Pink Floyd, similar in tone to Gilmour’s solo on The Division Bell’s title track. The band is so good at building the intensity then taking a left turn into calmer waters. “Clepsydra� is a shorter track with sustained guitar rhythms and a soundscape drenched in wonderful keyboard washes, giving this one a more tranquil feel. The album ends with the three part epic “Lethe�, a sprawling twenty-two minute opus that brings back that Floydy sound reminiscent of Meddle at times. The otherworldly guitar, the fantastic keyboard and guitar interplay and the psychedelic overtones all make this a fantastic head trip and a fine way to close out the album.

Aton Five has been an exceptional find. An excellent foray into psychedelic tinged heavy prog. Easily recommended!

Track Listing:
1. Alienation (8:32)
2. Naked Void (8:32)
3. Clepsydra (3:23)
4. Danse Macabre (8:01)
5. Lethe (22:01)

Added: October 9th 2024
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 228
Language: english

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