The Summoned - Sessions (EN)

Band: The Summoned (USA)
Genre: Technical Progressive Metal
Label: Self-Release / Clawhammer PR
Albumtitle: Sessions
Duration: 45:14
Releasedate: 16.06.2017

The Summoned - Sessions (EN)

The Progressive Metalheads The Summoned release their second album these days. The concept album bears the name "Sessions" and takes you on the journey of a patient awakening from coma. He is instantly taken to the psychiatry where he has to endure several tests while he is always accompanied by the same doctor. He is confronted with the demons which haunt him...and that's exactly what the album sounds like.

The whole construct consists of "muddled" instrumental structures like they are usual for progressive metal. The guitars have a leading role hereby. The drums are subordinated but don't get lost. On the contrary, they lend the whole thing the necessary pressure which gives the songs the needed hardness and aggressiveness. The bass, however, only has a subordinate role, there is no indication as to whether it is used at all.

There are some short, calm moments now and then, so the whole "chaos" can get loose and a slight touch of harmony shines through.
Regarding the vocals we deal with some kind of screamed Death Metal Growls here. They fit perfectly to the subject of the album as well as to the sound in general.

There is also nothing negative to say about the production. The whole thing is presented clean (but not too smooth) and bold but you are still able to recognize the different instruments despite the "planned chaos".

Conclusion:
The album is just like its story: the confusion within the head of the protagonist is staged perfectly and should be listened to in one run-through. Do you know these movies where the music and the content match perfectly? That's how you can imagine this album to be like. Of course this is already known from other bands, but it still turned out great here and seems as if it's made from one piece. If you look for something that hits you in the face but you don't want to miss the progressive chaos, you should be right here.

Rating: 8/10

Recommendation: everything

Tracklist

01. The Pendulum Swing
02. Faradic
03. Fractal Patterns
04. The Grave Mistake
05. Built Of Glas
06. Vertiginous
07. Primogenial Birth
08. Recollection
09. Satori

Lineup

Steve Thompson - Vocals
Shaun Murphy - Guitars
Jarred Sullivan - Guitars
Sam Hang - Drums

Information