ESCAPETHECULT
consists of Tim Alexander of Primus on drums, Peter Shallmin of Kamlath on the
bass, Mike Wead from King Diamond and ex-Mercyful Fate on the guitars and
Matthieu Romarin of Uneven Structure on vocals. But, the music from this group
is something you would not expect after reading that lineup. It’s slow, groovy, melodic and soulful prog.
All You Want To,
is a bit of a strange album. It takes its time and multiple spins to actually
grow on the listener. It does not have any flashy technical riffs or odd time
signatures to make you gape and wonder how they did it. Instead, what it has is
a good steady pace running throughout, with delightful melodic guitar riffs and
extremely soothing tone. The album starts off with “Backfired”, but the track
never feels like an album opener, but stands as if the album has been looping
for eternity. This brings out the philosophy of the circle of life, there is no
beginning, and no end in this album!
“Clandastine” brings out the subtle grunge vibe underlying
throughout the album. It begins with anger that is subdued in a slow manner as
the track progresses. Matthieu’s vocals really shine out on the track, and are
perfectly complemented by Mike Wead’s guitar leads.
“Tired of the Past” is one of the heavier prog tracks in the
album, and is placed well in the middle, to break the monotonous flow of the
album. The track has sudden pace changes, with a nice groove running in the
background, that keeps the listener engrossed. There is a sense of suppressed
anger running through the track, which in the band’s own calm manner explodes
in the tracks ahead.
What really works fantastically for the album, is the
top-notch production by Mike Wead. It’s one of the most dynamic album I have
heard in a long time. Each instrument is crystal clear, and sounds totally
natural. The guitars sound extremely
clear, without any overays and the bass sounds punchy, yet warm. This helps
balance the music perfectly. At no point do you feel that the bass and drums
are just supporting the vocals and the lead guitar melodies, or vice versa. It
all comes out as a single symbiotic integrated unit.
The album is not meant for everyone. It’s only meant for those
who enjoy slow, yet melodic progressive music. Music which is full of energy and
positivity. Moreover, it’s a record that demands your complete attention, for its
true beauty to be truly appreciated. But once you get the emotions behind it, its a masterpiece.
