TERRA ODIUM — Ne Plus Ultra (review)

TERRA ODIUM — Ne Plus Ultra album cover Album · 2021 · Progressive Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
Time Signature
It was not death...

Genre: progressive metal

A supergroup of sorts, Terra Odium is a Norwegian progressive metal band whose members are or have been involved mainly in Spiral Architect and Manitou; in addition, prog metal fans will be happy to know that Steve DiGiorgio is also part of the project as the bass player.

We are dealing with progressive metal of the heavier type here more akin to Dream Theater at their heaviest than, say, Queensrÿche or something like that. Thus, the songs are based on very heavy riffage and aggressive, but dynamic, drumbeats to the point that we occasionally enter into US power metal or perhaps even contemporary thrash metal territory. There is also a distinct Cynic feel to many sections on the album which have a similar drive (just check out the opening track). The songs are not too long with the longest being "The Thorn" almost 12 minutes long. The rest of the songs on the album have an average length of 6-7 minutes. While embracing heaviness first and foremost, Terra Odium are not afraid to draw on other elements; for instance, there are symphonic elements on the album along with some djenty bits, a pretty good and epic ballad in the form of 'It Was Not Death', and of course some jazzy-sounding bass sections, and the album opens with a bit of throat singing. The singing is clean and melodic, and the guitar solos are advanced but never too wanky.

Needless to say, we are dealing with top notch musicianship across the board, and prog metal fans will also appreciate the songwriting. The production is dark and crisp and has a very modern feel to it.

Overall, this is a very solid progressive metal album, and fans of Cynic, Atheist, Dream Theater and Pestilence's "Spheres" are bound to really enjoy it. I think, if you're into Symphony X, there might also be something for you on this album as well.
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