Spheric Universe Experience – Back Home
Spheric Universe Experience – Back Home
Uprising Records
Release Date: 20/05/2022
Running Time: 68:59
Review by Chris Galea
9/10
When, caught in a moment of boredom, I decided to give this promo a listen, for some reason I braced myself to endure something predictable and tedious. First couple of tracks flew by and I told myself: “Hold on, this ain’t that bad.” More tracks, and my thoughts became: “Hey this is damn good stuff.” In the end “Back Home” turns out to be one of the strongest Power Prog Metal releases I’ve heard in quite a while. But before I attempt to justify this stance…who is the band?
Spheric Universe Experience (S.U.E.) are from France and Uprising Records compares them to Dream Theatre, Symphony X, Pagan’s Mind and Threshold….all bands whose influence is noticeable on “Back Home”, the band’s fifth album. To that list I would also add Ayreon and Artension. Essentially this is a concept album about a group of space-travellers on their journey back home.
Music and lyrics are very well balanced and, despite its length, your mind never strays when the album is spinning. There’s both heaviness and atmosphere and pomp that’s held securely on a leash. While the keyboards don’t detract from the heaviness they also represent an important dimension of the band’s sound. Sort of like Royal Hunt.
When writing reviews I try to focus on both sides of the coin but with “Back Home” I struggled to find anything negative to say. Even the singing of S.U.E.’s Franck Garcia is quite good….his voice sounds powerful but melodic and he shifts from subtlety to aggression with apparent ease.
Some examples of all this….’Legacy’ showcases catchy melodies, strong riffs and great musicianship. On the other hand ‘Synchronicity’ is one of the album’s instrumental tracks – despite its lack of lyrics it manages to bring to life the concept’s moods at that point in the story.
Everything in “Back Home” seems to blend together seamlessly, a factor that’s doubtlessly helped by the commendable production quality.
Yes, this is a very good album and when it comes out, don’t let it slip you by.
‘Where We Belong’ Official Video:
TRACKLISTING:
01. On Board SUE5-2469
02. Final Fate
03. Where We Belong
04. Transcending Real Life
05. Senses Restored
06. Legacy
07. Defenders Of Light
08. Synchronicity
09. The Absolution pt.1
10. The Absolution pt.2
11. Rebirth
12. Of The Last Plague
13. Dreams Will Survive
LINE-UP:
Franck Garcia – vocals
Vince Benaim – guitar
John Drai – bass
Fred Colombo – keyboards
Romain Goulon – drums
LINKS:
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