Canvas Solaris - The Atomized Dream
Sensory Records - 2008
By Ryan M
So we're blessed with yet another release from the instrumental progressive metal band Canvas Solaris. With four official releases under their belt, and the latter three being only about a year apart, this is certainly a band that likes to keep busy. Of course, that's nothing fans of good progressive metal would complain about! You'd think that being so prolific in their album releases and composing they'd run out of ideas and start to sound the same after a while. I'm very pleased to say this is not the case with Canvas Solaris, nor this release, The Atomized Dream. Each and every track is more original than the one before it, progressing, improving and taking shape, defining its a unique sound and style before the album comes to a wonderful close.
The album eases our listener into a state of musical bliss with a very soothing, and melodic intro track called The Binaural Beat. Using soft tones and mastering along with simplistic instrumentation , this track assures even the most skeptical of music fans that these are musicians who truly know what they're doing. Repetitive melodies and phrases are usedoften, but are tastefully scattered throughout the tracks in a way that keeps them from feeling worn-out or overused. The guitars, drums, bass and synthesizers create complex melodies yet complement each other in rhythmic structure, creating music that almost allows you to picture the notes dancing around in your head.
While the composition is incredible throughout, one of this albums prime advantages is the diversity in tone of the songs. Tracks like Chromatic Dusk and The Binaural Beat have a softer, more soothing feel, while other tracks such as Reflections Carried To Mirror have more powerful and sharper tones. This contrast, helps make The Atomized Dream a very diverse release that - along with strong composition and song structures - never becomes boring.
Unfortunately, there's one slight flaw in this album; while each song seems to be quite appropriate in length, it tends to feel as if they could have done much more with their music if they were to make their songs longer . However, two tracks, Photovaltaic and The Unknowable And Defeating Glow come in at over 8 minutes and 10 minutes respectively. So fans of long, drawn out, technical and intricate progressive instrumentation are certainly still able to get the trademarks they've grown to love and appreciate from this genre.
This is an incredible album, with catchy songs, memorable leads and great instrumentation. Some may find it hard to get past the fact that there are no vocals, but if you appreciate musicians showcasing their talent in complex melodies, phrases and riffs, this well worth checking out. People who like to hear 'heavier' guitar work in their music probably would not enjoy that, but if you're a progressive fan, or open minded to different approaches in metal, I highly recommend picking up this release.
Official Canvas Solaris Myspace
Sensory Records website
Sensory Records - 2008
By Ryan M
So we're blessed with yet another release from the instrumental progressive metal band Canvas Solaris. With four official releases under their belt, and the latter three being only about a year apart, this is certainly a band that likes to keep busy. Of course, that's nothing fans of good progressive metal would complain about! You'd think that being so prolific in their album releases and composing they'd run out of ideas and start to sound the same after a while. I'm very pleased to say this is not the case with Canvas Solaris, nor this release, The Atomized Dream. Each and every track is more original than the one before it, progressing, improving and taking shape, defining its a unique sound and style before the album comes to a wonderful close.
The album eases our listener into a state of musical bliss with a very soothing, and melodic intro track called The Binaural Beat. Using soft tones and mastering along with simplistic instrumentation , this track assures even the most skeptical of music fans that these are musicians who truly know what they're doing. Repetitive melodies and phrases are usedoften, but are tastefully scattered throughout the tracks in a way that keeps them from feeling worn-out or overused. The guitars, drums, bass and synthesizers create complex melodies yet complement each other in rhythmic structure, creating music that almost allows you to picture the notes dancing around in your head.
While the composition is incredible throughout, one of this albums prime advantages is the diversity in tone of the songs. Tracks like Chromatic Dusk and The Binaural Beat have a softer, more soothing feel, while other tracks such as Reflections Carried To Mirror have more powerful and sharper tones. This contrast, helps make The Atomized Dream a very diverse release that - along with strong composition and song structures - never becomes boring.
Unfortunately, there's one slight flaw in this album; while each song seems to be quite appropriate in length, it tends to feel as if they could have done much more with their music if they were to make their songs longer . However, two tracks, Photovaltaic and The Unknowable And Defeating Glow come in at over 8 minutes and 10 minutes respectively. So fans of long, drawn out, technical and intricate progressive instrumentation are certainly still able to get the trademarks they've grown to love and appreciate from this genre.
This is an incredible album, with catchy songs, memorable leads and great instrumentation. Some may find it hard to get past the fact that there are no vocals, but if you appreciate musicians showcasing their talent in complex melodies, phrases and riffs, this well worth checking out. People who like to hear 'heavier' guitar work in their music probably would not enjoy that, but if you're a progressive fan, or open minded to different approaches in metal, I highly recommend picking up this release.
Official Canvas Solaris Myspace
Sensory Records website
