Manifold Object Mirror Like
Self Released demo 2002
By Russell Garwood
Manifold Object are an unsigned progressive metal group from Finland, and Mirror Like is the bands second demo. Extremely professional in both recording (having taken three and a half months studio time) and presentation (full colour booklet) the band mingle metal elements with the trippy aesthetics of prog rock and a psychedelic, instrumental edge. Iridescent, layered and delayed guitars ornament more forceful bass from Jani Suvanto, which creates a solid backdrop for the shimmering instrumental sections. The drums are - like the music - varied, alternating between scattered double bass in heavier sections, a syncopated, jazzy beat in instrumentals, and a hard-hitting rock approach. The jazzy feel is augmented by percussionist Markus Pajakkalas alto sax, while a playful carnival vibe is introduced on occasions through the well placed keyboards of Roope Niemelä (also responsible for lead and touch guitar). The vocals courtesy of Antti Korpinen are raw often dissonant, they could do with some polishing - but generally work well, and are refreshingly free of the falsetto/power metal feel that many other prog metal bands over-use.
This said, there is still room for improvement, some of the noodle-filled compositions could be helped by better cohesion, and the music can feel self-indulgent and lack emotion at times. Such complaints are minor, the three songs on this demo are impressive for such a young band so early in its career. The maturity displayed herein could make many more experienced musicians blush. So, sit back, close your eyes, and get lost in these meandering compositions; expand your mind with the experimentation and originality, you know you want to!
Self Released demo 2002
By Russell Garwood
Manifold Object are an unsigned progressive metal group from Finland, and Mirror Like is the bands second demo. Extremely professional in both recording (having taken three and a half months studio time) and presentation (full colour booklet) the band mingle metal elements with the trippy aesthetics of prog rock and a psychedelic, instrumental edge. Iridescent, layered and delayed guitars ornament more forceful bass from Jani Suvanto, which creates a solid backdrop for the shimmering instrumental sections. The drums are - like the music - varied, alternating between scattered double bass in heavier sections, a syncopated, jazzy beat in instrumentals, and a hard-hitting rock approach. The jazzy feel is augmented by percussionist Markus Pajakkalas alto sax, while a playful carnival vibe is introduced on occasions through the well placed keyboards of Roope Niemelä (also responsible for lead and touch guitar). The vocals courtesy of Antti Korpinen are raw often dissonant, they could do with some polishing - but generally work well, and are refreshingly free of the falsetto/power metal feel that many other prog metal bands over-use.
This said, there is still room for improvement, some of the noodle-filled compositions could be helped by better cohesion, and the music can feel self-indulgent and lack emotion at times. Such complaints are minor, the three songs on this demo are impressive for such a young band so early in its career. The maturity displayed herein could make many more experienced musicians blush. So, sit back, close your eyes, and get lost in these meandering compositions; expand your mind with the experimentation and originality, you know you want to!
