Zero Hour - Metamorphosis
Zero Hour hails from the Bay Area in Francisco, USA, where the twin brothers Jasun and Troy Tipton started it all. The intention was to create dark and progressive metal, a thing that I will say that they succeded in.

The cd Metamorphosis is actually a re-issue of their first cd, now with a demo version of Eyes of Denial and the song Jaded Eyes and of course the amazing artwork of Travis Smith.

Since this is progressive metal, the musicians can be expected to be masters of their respective instruments and this is also true for Zero Hour. One thing that especially stands out is the bass player Troy Tipton. The bass plays a very important role and is quite high in the mix. This is a thing that you especially notice in the very technical passages when the rythm changes all the time. Great to find a guitarist who doesn't want to take over the whole musical spectrum. The two brothers are definitely both virtuosos and Jasun's guitars play both very nice progressive and heavy rythm parts as well as melodic shred solos. However, there is one song where the guitar takes too much space: A Passage is basically a long guitar solo which doesn't fit too well with the rest of the cd. Luckily this is the only song where this happens.

Another thing that stands out here is the singer Erik Rosvold. He sings with a very strong voice but still quite high and melodic. Think Russel Allen of Symphony X or maybe even Matthew Barlow of Iced Earth but still with his very own style of singing. Definitely one of my favorite singers. He has the ability to squeeze anger out of a melody line while still singing clean. A very powerful voice; some of all the metal opera composers out there should definitely try to get their hands on Erik.

Zero Hour likes odd rythms; one thing they often do is to play a small piece and then play it again just one beat longer or shorter. This simple trick adds a progressive and interresting feeling to their music. But this is just one thing I have noticed, the songs go from quiet keyboard parts to full blown metal parts, all very well composed and executed. The 17+ minutes long epic piece Metamorphosis in 5 parts is simply amazing and at the same time both beautiful and dark.

The production is top noth, I really can't find anything to put my finger on. The guitars are crisp and vocals clear. The bass is a little high in the mix but I just see this as a part of Zero Hour's sound. Keyboards and drums are very clear too. The drumming is very heavy and tight and the keyboards have some great solos. There are keyboards most of time both playing melody pieces and background atmospheric chords. Hats off for Matt Guillory from Dali's Dilemma.

Since this is a re-issue of their first cd, I have known their second cd The Towers of Avarice for some time. That was in fact the first Zero Hour cd I heard and while I really like Metamorphosis, I must say that Towers of Avarice is even better. Now that I listen to Metamorphosis, I can hear that many of the great things on this cd are taken a step further in the right direction on Towers of Avarice. If Zero Hour will continue this way with future releases, we are in for a treat when they release their next album.

I think that the best way to describe Zero Hour is as a mix of Meshuggah and Dream Theater and then something that is just themselves. One thing I like here is the really dark atmosphere which is there at all times on this cd. No happy love songs here. Technical and cold but still with plenty of feeling. This one comes highly recommended and if you like this one, be sure to take a listen to their next cd Towers of Avarice: That one is even better.

Written by Tajs
Sunday, December 14, 2003
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Tajs: 8/10

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Review by Tajs
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Released by
Sensory - 2003

Tracklisting
01 Eyes of Denial
02 The System Remains
03 Rebirth (Bonus Track)
04 Voice of Reason
05 A Passage (Instrumental) (Bonus Track)
Metamorphosis
06 I. Descent
07 II. Awaken
08 III. Union
09 IV. Solace
10 V. Ascent
11 Eyes of Denial (Demo Version)
12 Jaded Eyes (Instrumental) (Demo)


Supplied by Intromental


Style
Progressive metal

Related links
Visit the band page

Zero Hour - Official Website

Other articles
Band Information - (Steen)



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