Steel Swarm is a Progressive Metal trio from Sydney, Australia formed in 2012, which has made some changes over the years, moving from a more Thrash to a Prog sound. They have published 1 single, 1 EP and a full-length “Aspects of Dissonance” released August 8, 2020 and containing 8 medium length tracks. The band has a fresh sound with personal characters, with solid and articulated riffs with virtuosic traits, which are very different from the Thrash sounds of the beginning. The “Begin Simulation” opener features heavy distorted guitar riffs, a massive rhythm session with an elaborate drum. The singing is an intertwining of clean voices and harsh voices, and the music is an alternation of virtuosity and more melodic and linear openings, a song that immediately catapults us into the sound atmosphere of the album. “River of Sky” begins with a soft layer of keyboards on which sharp guitar riffs are inserted and an intricate rhythmic drum session, which enhances Zac Stewart‘s technique. Here too the vocal is a continuous alternation of clean voices with others that are very hard and heavy, both single and choral. The continuous tempo changes are an added value, showing all the sonic facets of the band, which ranges on different fronts of modern Prog, with a marked Metal presence. “Future Gods” has a tight and very intricate rhythmic structure, full of frantic acceleration and continuous tempo changes where the song slows down. The melodies give ample space to the Progressive vein of the band, favoring softer phrases, without however missing the powerful openings with a more Metal flavor. The bass lines are load-bearing and hypnotic and intertwine to the best with the drum and are a perfect bridge for the melodies, while the vocal is very powerful and counterbalances the rest of the track. “Everything Lasts Forever” begins with layers of keyboards that dampen the tones, and the rest of the instruments also create a softer atmosphere with Post Rock overtones. The singing is clean and melodic, alternating solo and other choral moments with precision and pleasure. Even the tempo changes, which are always well-made, do not distort the main theme too much, without the dizzying acceleration of the previous songs. A test of good technique that highlights another aspect of the sound of the trio, less tight but always very elaborate and full of ideas and ideas. “Life Obsolete” is the shortest track on the album, with its 1:18 minute length, a short atmospheric passage with effects rich sounds, bridging one track to another. “Phthalo” with layers of solo guitar and riffs, the decisive rhythm session that alternates different rhythms and tempos with the right dose of technique never an end in itself. The vocal here offers one of the best rehearsals on the album, with a warm and expressive singing, mostly clean. The guitar is still a great protagonist, creating pleasant and well-executed weaves that accompany us throughout the piece at times with an elaboration rich in virtuosic technique. “Wasted Signals” begins with a very percussive and rhythmic drum, carrying the whole sound, on which the guitar is free to express itself. Massive and edgy riffs that layered with virtuous solo inserts create a sophisticated and highly elaborate theme that always keeps attention from the beginning to the end of the track. One of the best songs on the album, where the Progressive component is the master, without neglecting that personal touch that distinguishes their sound. We have come to the final track “Twilight Harbor,” which features more positive and less heavy riffs and melodies in some ways more catchy. Without neglecting the right amount of elaboration, this last piece, however, closes with a softer touch, but always rich in tempo changes and elaborate sound weaves, it is smoother and more linear. Another excellent proof that closes this good album well. A work that keeps the intensity high from start to finish, always maintaining the right amount of processing, with sometimes even intricate and sophisticated features that increase its yield. The continuous changes and virtuosity take the sound to another level, showing not only the good personal technique, but also the cohesion of the band. Numerous ideas and ideas put into play here, with themes always developed in a very elaborate way, a band that for what is heard here shows maturity and gives good hope for future releases.
Tracklist
- Begin Simulation (03:54)
- River of Sky (06:24)
- Future Gods (05:25)
- Everything Lasts Forever (05:17)
- Life Obsolete (01:18)
- Phthalo (04:42)
- Wasted Signals (03:59)
- Twilight Harbour (05:56)
Lineup
Dane Simms / Guitar, Vocals
Jamie Simms / Bass
Zac Stewart / Drums, Keyboards
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