Tech/Extreme Prog Metal
USA
AGHORA is an intriguing and unusual metal/jazz rock band from Florida. It was put together by guitar virtuoso (and Berklee-trained) Santiago Dobles together with ex-CYNIC members Sean Reinert (drums) and Sean Malone (bass). They were later joined on vocals by Santiago's sister Danishta Rivero, a classically-trained mezzo-soprano, and by death metal guitarist Charlie Ekendahl. If you are familiar with death metal pioneers CYNIC, you will have a good idea of where this music stands; however, AGHORA isn't a CYNIC clone as Santiago incorporates many new influences to the material, making it a bit jazzier and more oriental sounding. Echoes of Allan Holdsworth, MAHAVISHNU and especially Steve Vai can be heard in this music.
This is highly technical progressive metal and not easy to get into; once you've got beyond the complexity, however, you can't help but appreciate the immense talent in this band: their music is intense, fun and exciting; ambitious but not pretentious. The two guitarists, who frequently provide heavily distorted riffs, complement each other well and the jazzy bass guitar is aggressive yet consistently melodic. The purity of Rivero's melodic vocals (a far cry from your regular 'cookie monster' growls) seems to make the instrumental parts even crunchier, while the abrasive musical textures in turn make her voice sound that much more ethereal. The only flaw is perhaps the poor mixing, which tends to muddle and drown the drums.
Recommended for tech-metal fans who don't mind adding a little jazz flavour to their metal diet.
Lise (HIBOU), CANADA
ALBUMS:
1999 - AGHORA
Musicians
- Danishta Rivero / vocals
- Santiago Dobles / lead guitar, coral sitar, programming
- Charlie Ekendahl / guitar
- Sean Malone / bass
- Sean Reinert / drums, tabla, percussio
Tracks Listing
1. Immortal Bliss (4:38)
2. Satya (5:56)
3. Transfiguration (5:15)
4. Frames (7:09)
5. Mind's Reality (4:22)
6. Kali Yuga (5:38)
7. Jivatma (11:23)
8. Existence (6:28)
9. Anugraha (4:42)
Total Time: 55:33
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