UMUR
"Soothseeker" is an EP release by Russian metal act Photon. It´s the band´s debut release and it was independently released in May 2014. On this release Photon is a three-piece consisting of Vlad Yudin (Guitars), Semen Sineev (Drums, Guitars, Vocals), Ilya Batishchev (Guitars, Vocals). Session bassist Ilya Reyngard handless the fretless bass.
"Soothseeker" features six tracks and a full playing time of 43:55 minutes. In reality the EP only features the three tracks "The Source (In Conflux)", "Essentials", and "Infinity Paradigm", but all three tracks are also included in instrumental versions. The three versions of the tracks which open the EP feature unintelligible growling vocals, while the three versions of the tracks which close the EP, lack the vocals but are otherwise identical to the vocal versions. The music is atmospheric and melodic death metal with an occasional post metal touch, and as the vocals are pretty monotone and emotionless, it´s actually the instrumental versions of the tracks which are most successful to my ears. There are some truly breathtaking lead guitar melodies and epic atmospheres throughout the album, and the music generally features many memorable moments and cathy build ups.
The sound production and the musicianship are also on a relatively high level, so it´s only the vocal part of the release I find a bit sub par, and overall "Soothseeker" is a quality release by Photon. There´s definitely promise here and a 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.