Nightmare Records (2012)

Remote areas of the music world seem to produce some of the best innovative original artists. Especially in the progressive metal genre - originally the movement may have had a foothold in North America and Europe but has spread like wildfire over the past decade thanks to internet access to digital music and social media connectivity. As a result, Australia appears to be one of those continents rich with musical talent, gaining more momentum with every band that signs an international record deal and can start touring the globe. The quintet Teramaze hail from the land down under, and this third album “AnhedoniA” took a couple of years to write, record and finally hit the streets - with the results being well worth your engagement if melodic progressive metal with a modern twist and thrash touch whets your aural appetite.

As guitarists Dean Wells and Mathew Dawson have a wide array of influences and apply them accordingly to the needs of each song - “Through The Madness” has more of a Pantera feel during the concluding moments, while “Machine” channels some of the Exodus meets Dream Theater riffing and tricky changes. You can even hear parts of Jeff Waters’ unique gallop and handling of transitions during the opening title cut. Vocally Brett Rerekura has one of those alternative sounding deliveries, ethereal and outer worldly almost channeling the best of Maynard from Tool with Sebastian Bach - some of his best work coming on the ferocious “Without Red Hands” as well as the double bass prominent “Black Circles”. The drumming of the late Julian Percy is solid and very fusion based, employing groove instincts with occasional flashes of superior tempo change prowess - “Proverb Le Jame” one of the best examples of his exemplary percussion skills.

“AnhedoniA” isn’t one of those albums for the progressive metal purist. I believe the more musically eclectic follower who doesn’t mind a little bit of down-tuned staccato groove element in his or her challenging riffs and multiple vocal approaches will find plenty to get ecstatic over with Teramaze.

www.teramaze.com.au
www.nightmarerecords.com

Rating: 4.5 / 6

Composed by Matt Coe