Calyces – Impulse to Soar
Release Date: 16th October 2020
Label: Independent
Bandcamp
Genre: Progressive Metal, Experimental Metal, Progressive Rock.
FFO: Mastodon, Gojira, Hypno5e, Haken, Baroness, Tool.
Review By: Ryan Shearer
I love Greek Metal. Rotting Christ are one of my favourite heavy bands. The signature sounds of bands from that region just have such a distinctive flavour, which is why I was so excited to find out about this album.The new project from vocalist Manthos Stergiou, former frontman of Tardive Dyskinesia, now takes the lead in Calyces. They could almost be described as a supergroup, with each member from existing bands including Insect Radio and Revenge of the Giant Face. Their debut album Impulse to Soar does fly high, but never quite soar to the skies as promised.
Calyces is a term for the biological feature that make a protective layer around a budding flower. The band has described the project as a metaphor for rebirth and ‘a new shape of life’; a concept very suiting of progressive music. Expect songs with solemn melodies transforming into visceral, aggressive and fast sections reflecting the chaotic, ever-changing world around us.
False Awakening starts off with a syncopated staccato riff, slowly building layers and introducing the parts like a slumbering beast waking up. Ego Dries up the Ocean takes a much more violent approach, really channelling Mastodon influences with the frantic lead guitars – the melody is haunting and captivating. Those Flames are Dancing Wild harnesses the power of Baroness with frenetic drumming and lead guitar work really driving the track forward before a calming break. The song ebbs and flows; like calming water breaching into giant waves that crash and subside. Parasites takes no prisoners with its heavy, balls-to-the-wall rhythm and tribal drums. Wired Crown is the most conventional, with a great chorus and digestible structure. The ending minute and a half or so is one of the most memorable parts of the album. Unfair Labor features Jørgen Munkeby from Shining performing a signature saxophone solo. The super-cool, groovy track feels influenced by Tool towards the beginning, and climaxes with the dark and brooding sax solo. Beyond Sight also exudes Tool vibes, and features Chrysa Tsaltampasi (Spineless, Bella Fuzz) on some very interesting vocal duties.
The vocals at points feel like a mix between Mastodon, Max Cavalera & Bjorn ‘Speed’ Strid. You’d be remiss to find someone who doesn’t see that as a massive compliment. The gravelly, deep vocals mix incredibly well with the overall sound, and sit really nicely in the mix. It’s a really cohesive effort for the band’s debut album, but with all the musical experience of the collective, it’s to be expected at this quality.
Uneven Loops and We’re Lost, But it’s OK are both instrumental, rounding off the album in a grandiose and dramatic way. The latter is unlike any other ending track I’ve heard, with a very raw one take of an acoustic track with the natural sounds of the studio and guitarist coming though. It’s the complete antithesis to the previous 10 tracks but lands oddly well. I can’t explain why hearing chairs creek, burping and messy guitar playing feels like an emotionally satisfying way to close the album, but it does.
The album is great, but it is busy. Some listens are really enjoyable, but other times it can feel like a chore. Although Wired Crown and others do have some memorable hooks, after one listen you’ll be hard pressed to remember a motif or a riff purely because there are so many. The production work is fantastic and the instrumentation is stand-out; the guitar riffs, interesting patterns and emotions evoked throughout the 59 minutes are a reflection of the band’s talent.
I would by no means recommend you to steer away from this, but one listen might be enough. I’ve not found myself particularly wanting to come back to this album. For fans of Tool, Haken, Mastodon and Baroness, this album will tide you over until your next fix from the aforementioned bands (but probably not Tool, we’ll all be long dead and buried before a Fear Innoculum follow up comes out). For a debut album it is an impressive feat, and I look forward to what Calyces will release next.
(3.5 / 5)
