by Janet Willis
Somewhat of a continuation of Blackkout as members of that band switched in and out to birth TLT, but the sound of TLT is quite different than the technical/proggy thrash of Blackkout. With Circles and Butterflies expect the bands sound and song structures to feel similar to the hippie prog metal vibes of Psychotic Waltz with strong leanings toward 70’s hard prog rock acts, but still omnipresent is that unique technical rhythmic play and distinct vocalist of Blackkout (Richard W. Elliott IV).
To get an idea of what comprises the sound of TLT, here’s a breakdown for you:
1) The use of flute and piano with lots of variation in mood and song dynamics (“Inside the Circle”, “The Spirit Lives”, “A broken Promise”) along with some (analog sounding) atmospheric synth background (“After-Birth”) all in one song really bring to mind a modern version of 70’s heavy prog such as: Jethro Tull, Wishbone Ash, Uriah Heep, Gentle Giant, etc. If you are a huge fan of that era and those bands, then you’ll definitely hear and feel them here in TLT.
2) Some songs bring in a nice melodic power metal/psychedelic touch reminiscent of Psychotic Waltz: “Lost Generations” and the heavy slapping basslines and psychedelic atmospheres of “Cassandra” that eventually turn into a more Blackkout metal cyclone toward the end of the song. Fans of PW ‘s heavy psychedelic prog metal, especially of A Social Grace and Into the Everflow will easily realize the depth and importance of this release in terms of not only that style but the artistic realms that these bands can actually venture into.
3) There’re also subtle symphonic touches and technical prog elements weaved together tightly traveling along pathways crushed and carved out by the thundering sledgehammer riffs, underneath a hovering mystical atmosphere throughout the album.
Bands like The Last Things are masterpieces of metal craftsmanship as they push boundaries and yet never waver and drift away from keeping the blood pulsing through your veins and the adrenaline surging through your circuitry.
Purchasing:
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