Belgian progressive metal outfit Axamenta makes a dramatic return with their EP Spire. This new release marks an ambitious evolution from their 2006 album Ever-Arch-I-Tech-Ture, incorporating cinematic elements drawn from their work on blockbuster trailers into a singular, twenty-three minute track divided into seven acts.
Yes, you read that right. One track. Twenty three minutes long. Twenty-three and two seconds to be exact.
But that’s where Axamenta’s brilliance lies. Spires plunges one into a dense and atmospheric journey through dark and intricate soundscapes.
It’s a cinematic thriller for the auditory senses.
Influenced by the likes of Periphery, Fleshgod Apocalypse, and Devin Townsend, Axamenta crafts a compelling blend of modern progressive metal and organic horror atmospherics. The EP’s extended format allows for a deep dive into a narrative that is filled with guilt and torment and that is executed with a masterful balance of delicate melodies and fierce growls.
The cinematic quality is unmistakable and is a testament to the band’s experience in scoring Hollywood trailers. Each act of Spires contributes to a cohesive story that invites one to navigate through layers of complex emotions and musical textures. The narrative unfolds in the middle of chilling atmospheres and dynamic arrangements that reflect an infernal storm that crescendos into a gripping finale.
Axamenta’s Spires is a bold statement of their return to the metal scene and showcases their ability to fuse storytelling with progressive metal’s sonic complexity, pushing the boundaries of the genre in innovative ways.
