Ahles is a prog metal band, hailing from Brisbane, Down Under, and Between Dreams And The Waking World is their remarkable debut, featuring nine tracks sounding both technically masterful and extremely original indeed. What makes Ian Ahles (guitars, lute, vocals), Alix Bandiera (drums), Monash Lal (bass guitar, flute) and Will Towne (eight-string guitar) unique is their seamless integration of classical guitar, flute, and lute into the prog metal characteristics. Something Spiritual opens this album and the riffs and rhythmic variation in this song are intricate and versatile, while the vocals (spoken and whispering) are kind of disappointing. Follow up Product is one of the heaviest tracks of the entire album, where the guitars and drums dominate for 100%, while Therese, the first instrumental track, is definitely more introspective and tranquil. The centrepiece of the album is Will Nothing Grow? an emotional track that starts slowly but evolves into a very, intense prog metal song. The flute and lute textures, passages and solos add an extra dimension to the complex music of Ahles. This surprising album ends with another instrumental track called: Fantasia...As A Jade Unicorn Might In The Rain, one of the weirdest song titles I have ever heard, and it is a wonderful song to end this album. So, if you like complex prog metal with flute and lute passages and original complexity then you should check out Between Dreams And The Waking World. Listening tip: The Cure And The Curse! ***+ Martien Koolen (edited by Dave Smith) Where to buy? |
