Customer Reviews

Ascension

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Wisconsin's own Talamasca has produced their second tantalizing piece of progressive metal called Ascension. Aptly named, it takes you through visions of philosophy, moral question, and poetic contemplation that are sure to challenge the attentive listener's consciousness. Ascension packs in the complex rhythms, exacting solos, and multiple time changes that prog-metal fans desire. Each song feeds your intellect with soulful content, and your ear with succulent melody. The level of production in this piece noticeably exceeds their first album. Ascension is an all around step up in creativity for this Appleton band. Vocalist Steve Gentz shines with a well-honed tonal range, not unlike Geoff Tate. Andy Paredes demonstrates guitar excellence being both the lead and rhythm guitar of Talamasca. Bassist Brad Schuler exhibits high caliber quality that carries especially well on the fourth track, Realization. Matt Belanger tops off this four piece with a framework of percussion that portrays solid timing, acrobatic fills, and virtuous complexity. The influences of Fates Warning, King Diamond, Queensryche, and hints of Psychotic Waltz show through in their music. Unleashed in the fall of 2002, Ascension is building notoriety around the U.S. and Europe recently being reviewed in the February 2003 issue Metal Maniacs magazine. An official CD release show is scheduled for March 1st at Ryan's Ballroom in Combined Locks, WI. Adrian Gay

Wisconsin's own Talamasca has produced their second tantalizing piece of progressive metal called Ascension. Aptly named, it takes you through visions of philosophy, moral question, and poetic contemplation that are sure to challenge the attentive listener's consciousness. Ascension packs in the complex rhythms, exacting solos, and multiple time changes that prog-metal fans desire. Each song feeds your intellect with soulful content, and your ear with succulent melody. The level of production in this piece noticeably exceeds their first album. Ascension is an all around step up in creativity for this Appleton band. Vocalist Steve Gentz shines with a well-honed tonal range, not unlike Geoff Tate. Andy Paredes demonstrates guitar excellence being both the lead and rhythm guitar of Talamasca. Bassist Brad Schuler exhibits high caliber quality that carries especially well on the fourth track, Realization. Matt Belanger tops off this four piece with a framework of percussion that portrays solid timing, acrobatic fills, and virtuous complexity. The influences of Fates Warning, King Diamond, Queensryche, and hints of Psychotic Waltz show through in their music. Unleashed in the fall of 2002, Ascension is building notoriety around the U.S. and Europe recently being reviewed in the February 2003 issue Metal Maniacs magazine. An official CD release show is scheduled for March 1st at Ryan's Ballroom in Combined Locks, WI. Adrian Gay, Maximum Ink music magazine