"Artemisia". It's more of a state of mind than anything else. A place where we can fall into, mentally and analyze our dreams, those that are lost to us through death or changing natures and times. It is a place where there is freedom to find yourself, or lose yourself. This album gives us the moods of that imaginary mental haven (or horror), a glowing warmth, a peaceful melancholic coldness. It lyrically probes our pain, ponders our strength and disassembles our humility, all with some sweeps of the keyboard and plucks of guitar strings. Yes, this is hardcore progressive metal and something that not just asks your attention, but demands it. Then keeps you thinking long and hard afterward. Mind candy if you will. A mental, emotional workout brought to you by
Sun Caged.
This is their second album and even at that only the founding member remains, Marcel Coenen. All other personnel are completely different including their singer, this time its Paul Adrian Villarreal, who sounds strange putting words to this atmospheric trip. Since he sounds like Styx's Tommy Shaw. The album is also quite a bit softer but perhaps more technical than the previous. The production is a bit on the flat side and the multi-tracked vocals come off as being thin, especially with the guitars being so subdued in the mix. However, its a competent production job and is only an issue due to the technical spin on
"Artemisia".
You can hear their virtuosic prog noodling that will likely drive followers of the genre into a state of blissful amazement in
"Unborn". Pure technical progressive music with a heavy hand that just slaps you right in the face. The drumming is intricate and thunderous, keeping odd-timed signatures with ease. Solos abound and the vocal melodies just send it all over the top. The opener
"Lyre's Harmony" is a nice mix of keys and bass that keeps things fairly straightforward and introduces each instrument in an easy to grasp manner.
"A Fair Trade" has a catchy chorus but strays far from the mainstream with huge riffs, strange keyboards and playful jazzy moments.
"Doldrums" is sunk and caressingly depressive. If it were a colour, it would be the shade of ancient dust. Grey and powdery, settled into a thick layer of neither black nor white but that shade caught right inbetween.
"Engelbert the Inchworm" is a ridiculously titled instrumental. Why do prog bands have to give their songs such absolutely (stupid) song titles? Anytime this is spotted its hard not to think they are being pompous, obtuse, and unnecessarily "cute". As expected, this is a solo-ing overexcess that will bore the casual listener. Not that a casual listener would be taking any of this stuff seriously anyway.
"Afraid to Fly" is dark and uses acoustic to provide a mellow atmosphere of confusion and an acidic 70s prog rock vibe. There is chaotic fear here, a desperation to conquer. Life is at the edges and looking out over the possibilities just shys you back into your safe little box.
"Afraid to Fly" is something all of us has to overcome at some point. Like the baby birds leaving the nest, its hard to take the initiative when your current situation is safe, comforting and warm.
"Blood Lines" is choppy and shocking, crackling guitars and deft keyboards clashing like two ancient adversaries, before the whole structure goes spinning out of control.
"Departing Words" chugs like dragonflies struggling in the mud, their wings sticky and solidifying, then it shakes loose just as suddenly as it became detained and lurches into the air, grazing the grass at wicked speeds and curling out of sight. Old
Fates Warning and bits of
Dream Theater can be heard here.
A warm but flat production and an album that requires your utmost attention will keep this one penned in the corner for fans of the genre only. There is very little crossover appeal here. So if Threshold, Zero Hour, Redemption, Vanden Plas, Liquid Tension Experiment,
Pain of Salvation and other "hard" prog outfits (with a sometimes modern twist) fancy your tastes then
Sun Caged will keep you busy. It's not nearly as daring or tempting as their underground classic debut, but is a decently pieced together album that has an interesting concept and feel. Just keep in mind that its a very demanding disc that might seem boring and even uninteresting on the first few listens. Whether you have the time and patience to let it grow and get the most from what's here depends on your musical preferences.
Written by
Alanna Sunday, June 24, 2007
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