Michigan's Holloway are back, following up the positively received debut album Illusions with this 18-minute EP The Gaze Eternal. The five piece pick up right where they left off, delivering some fine moody progressive rock and metal sounds on this quick three song platter.
Comprised of a 3-part movement, The Gaze Eternal contains some adventurous material, but the band are more about setting a mood and creating tones and textures. Though there are some strong guitar and keyboard parts on the first two sections, it's the depth of the tracks, as well as the melodies ("Movement II" really has some addicting vocal passages) that works out best here. The 9-minute finale is a prime example of brooding neo-progressive rock with some metal influences, and features some solid guitar work and lead vocals.
It's a shame that this one is so brief, as had it contained more material it would easily garner a 4 star rating. As it is, The Gaze Eternal is another solid entry from Holloway, and it will be interesting to see what more they have in store for us in the near future.
Track Listing
1) Movement I (4:55)
2) Movement II (4:18)
3) Movement III (9:06)