Gnosis Ratings

Reviews:

Tom Hayes 12-July-2001 Spiral Architect - "A Sceptic's Universe" (SR-3008, 2000, CD)

One of the most anticipated progressive metal albums in the history of the genre, Spiral Architect released their debut on Ken Golden's Sensory label with already high standards to live up to. And by all accounts, Spiral Architect delivered one of the finest debuts in recent memory. What we have here is nothing short of some of the most complex playing ever committed to tape. The musicianship is spellbinding, the production crisp, and the compositions well thought out. Best of all the metal crunch is there, not sacrificing one iota of energy. And, make no mistake, this is no show-off record. Spiral Architect are about composed music where the odd solo is used to enhance the overall feeling and isn't the sole purpose for making the recording. There is no way the listener can comprehend this opus in one listen - it ultimately requires hours of auditioning.
I've read in at least two online metal magazines, that A Sceptic's Universe is the finest metal album released to date, the perfect blend of metal and sophistication. While I'm clearly ready to declare Spiral Architect's debut a classic 12 rating, I'm not sure it will rise to the very top of progressive albums including metalized ones. There are a few reasons for this. One problem is they clearly wear their influences on their collective sleeves. Spiral Architect have reintroduced the world to the Watchtower sound, those Texas groundbreakers from the late 1980's. The similarities are striking, though Spiral Architect definitely have made improvements in the vocal department. All the same, music such as Watchtower's is not easily emulated and it's also a field very rarely explored and there are many doors to be opened. And Spiral Architect have just begun to do that. Another issue facing Spiral Architect (and almost all bands in the technical metal arena) are the lack of memorable melodies. After wearing the brain out trying to comprehend the dizzying array of sounds swirling about, one is left with little recollection of what they just heard. And finally, the emphasis on metal band basics (guitars, bass and drums) leaves little for exploration of new sounds. I firmly believe this one dimensional approach has been the real limitation facing all heavy metal bands, progressive or not. Sure, Spiral Architect throw in some modern electronics/keyboards and a little acoustic guitar, but these seem more like excuses to lull the listener to rest before blowing them back into oblivion. I would like to see a multitude of instruments added while still maintaining the trademark metal sound (no need to wimp out). So I believe the perfect metal album has yet to be achieved - not even close. There hasn't been the Moving Gelatine Plates of the metal world yet. Canterbury metal anyone? If anyone can pull something like that off, it would be Spiral Architect. These guys are the real deal. Don't miss a chance to hear A Sceptic's Universe!

Links for further information

Spiral Architect Homepage

Tom Hayes	12-July-2001	Spiral Architect - "A Sceptic's Universe" (SR-3008, 2000, CD)
One of the most anticipated progressive metal albums in the history of the genre, Spiral Architect released their debut on Ken Golden's Sensory label with already high standards to live up to. And by all accounts, Spiral Architect delivered one of the finest debuts in recent memory. What we have here is nothing short of some of the most complex playing ever committed to tape. The musicianship is spellbinding, the production crisp, and the compositions well thought out. Best of all the metal crunch is there, not sacrificing one iota of energy. And, make no mistake, this is no show-off record. Spiral Architect are about composed music where the odd solo is used to enhance the overall feeling and isn't the sole purpose for making the recording. There is no way the listener can comprehend this opus in one listen - it ultimately requires hours of auditioning. I've read in at least two online metal magazines, that A Sceptic's Universe is the finest metal album released to date, the perfect blend of metal and sophistication. While I'm clearly ready to declare Spiral Architect's debut a classic 12 rating, I'm not sure it will rise to the very top of progressive albums including metalized ones. There are a few reasons for this. One problem is they clearly wear their influences on their collective sleeves. Spiral Architect have reintroduced the world to the Watchtower sound, those Texas groundbreakers from the late 1980's. The similarities are striking, though Spiral Architect definitely have made improvements in the vocal department. All the same, music such as Watchtower's is not easily emulated and it's also a field very rarely explored and there are many doors to be opened. And Spiral Architect have just begun to do that. Another issue facing Spiral Architect (and almost all bands in the technical metal arena) are the lack of memorable melodies. After wearing the brain out trying to comprehend the dizzying array of sounds swirling about, one is left with little recollection of what they just heard. And finally, the emphasis on metal band basics (guitars, bass and drums) leaves little for exploration of new sounds. I firmly believe this one dimensional approach has been the real limitation facing all heavy metal bands, progressive or not. Sure, Spiral Architect throw in some modern electronics/keyboards and a little acoustic guitar, but these seem more like excuses to lull the listener to rest before blowing them back into oblivion. I would like to see a multitude of instruments added while still maintaining the trademark metal sound (no need to wimp out). So I believe the perfect metal album has yet to be achieved - not even close. There hasn't been the Moving Gelatine Plates of the metal world yet. Canterbury metal anyone? If anyone can pull something like that off, it would be Spiral Architect. These guys are the real deal. Don't miss a chance to hear A Sceptic's Universe!
Links for further information
Spiral Architect Homepage