The Third Grade – Quadrivium – Geometry of Time EP
Release Date: 16th December 2022
Label: Art Gates Records
Pre-Order
Genre: Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal, Symphonic Metal, Classic Rock.
FFO: Yes, Santana, Pink Floyd, Mechina, Earthside.
Review By: Mark Waight
Quadrivium is the fourth release from four-piece band The Third Grade and forms part of a bigger project entitled Geometry of Time. It is an ultra-cool follow up to earlier releases Deeper Darker (2016), Of Fire and Ashes Part 1 (2017) and Of Fire and Ashes Part 2 (2020).
The Third Grade is Jose Masia (lead vocals, guitars and keyboards), Maria Cobos (vocals), Ivan Tacchella (drums) and Javier Masia (bass).
The opening track, Universal Frame, is a very retro progressive rock tune that blends harmonious clear vocals by overlaying them on some 70s style “Wakeman-esque” melodic keyboard playing and a very tight heavy bass/guitar riff. White, on the other hand, is a little heavier with a really thick bass riff, and downtuned guitars. The vocals are sharper, higher and combine very nicely with some really well-placed Carlos Santana style guitar work, giving the track a slightly more rhythmical, Latin feel at times.
The opening passage to A Dream Inside a Dream has a middle eastern flavour to it and sets up the listener for a cinematic musical experience. The guitar solo is divine and fuses so well with those lovely vocal harmonies, creating a very laid back and chilled out composition for the middle of the EP.
The final track, Holes, is a grander composition, clocking in at over nine minutes, and showcases the vast talents and songwriting ability within The Third Grade. It’s executed with pinpoint accuracy and, overall, is a great indication of the potential this band hold.
If you are a fan of 70s Progressive Rock or the lighter side of modern Symphonic Metal, then Quadrium by The Third Grade is will be right up your street and definitely worth checking out.
(3 / 5)
