Tetrafusion - Absolute Zero (by Eowyn Langholf)

Tetrafusion - Absolute Zero

Crank up your speakers music friends and get ready to go on a ride! Tetrafusion's Absolute Zero is a melodic metal masterpiece. The album's first and last tracks are appropriately named 'The Beginning' and 'The End' respectively and will take you on a journey from the moment you hit play until the very last note, leaving you wanting more. The Beginning' starts off with an intriguing bass riff that will perk the listener's ears to wonder what is coming next. Driving guitar and riveting drums kick in next followed before too long with cosmic keys that launch the listener on a journey through the heavens.

Absolute Zero is not only a fantastic album with eight outstanding tracks on it, but it is also a concept album that easily rivals any predecessors. Through technical virtuosity and musical ingenuity, Tetrafusion takes us on an epic journey detailing the birth, life and death of the universe from its explosion into existence to its fading out at the end. With no lyrics, the listener must rely on the ear-satisyfying blended themes, the soul stirring recurring motifs and the underlying melodies that bind the album together. This is done with masterful precision to leave the listener feeling at the end as though he truly has just witnessed one of the greatest mysteries of mankind.

So who is Tetrafusion? Take note as this is a band well worth becoming acquainted. Gary Tubbs(keyboards), Mark Michell(bass), J.C. Bryant(percussion) and Brooks Tarkington(guitar) combine to bring us this marvelous progressive foursome. Formed in October of 2006, the group began as a jazz/slow jam band but as their music became more creative and innovative they changed their direction to progressive experimental metal. Absolute Zero is shockingly their first full length album and I hope the first of many.

Special mention has to be paid to the final track on the album, 'The End'. This fifteen minute epic piece details out the end of the universe as we know it from the catastrophic feelings humanity faces as it meets its demise to the final conclusion of the existence of the universe, absolute zero. From beginning to end this piece is a masterful whirlwind in and of itself with unexpected time signature shifts, brilliant key changes and a remarkable blend of varoius musical styles . Just when you think the metal can't get any better it changes entirely to a haunting, stunning solo on the keys then launches into a bluesy riff before circling back to the metal. It will keep the listener on the edge wondering what will come next while uniting the entire album for an outstanding conclusion.

If you love progressive metal Absolute Zero is a must have for your collection. If progressive metal is not your thing, I would highly recommend you give this album a try because I believe you will find yourself pleasantly surprised. I give this album Four and a half Froggs only because I know their next album will be a five.


Visit this band on their MySpace site at:
http://www.myspace.com/tetrafusion

Moth Vellum - 'Moth Vellum' (by Kris Heisner)

Moth Vellum – Moth Vellum

Moth Vellum is a California based band that released their self-titled debut album in 2007 and most recently was featured at RoSFest 2009. This four member band is comprised of Ryan Downe – Bass/ Vocals, Matt Swindells – Drums/ Vocals, Johannes Luley – Guitars, and Tom Lynham – Keyboards and plays a brand of progressive music that hearkens back to the glory days of 70's prog.

The album features six songs, complete with a reprise, all of which hold to the time honored tradition of progressive music's history of longer more epic tune. Each piece stands well on its own and moves through moods that echo the styles of such bands as Yes and Pink Floyd. Luley's style on guitars is very reminiscent of Steve Howe, yet fresh and creative with it's own sound that lends a meandering beauty to the compositions and a continuity through the whole of the album. Downe's vocals are strong with a tone and clarity comparable to Dennis DeYoung and Jon Anderson.

On a whole I loved the album from end to end with a special love for the tunes Whalehead, with its ethereal lofty beauty, and Salvo, which took me back to the feel and sound of Tales From Topographic Oceans.

Four Froggs for Moth Vellum and I look forward to another album from these talented artists~



You can visit Moth Vellum and purchase their CD at their website at:
http://www.mothvellum.com/index.html

or visit their MySpace at:
http://www.myspace.com/mothvellum