Spiral Architect - A Sceptic's Universe

Year of Release: 2000
Label: Avalon/Marquee
Catalog Number: MICP-10166
Format: CD
Total Time: 43:45:00

From Norway, Spiral Architect certainly is the leader in the domain of "technical metal." Their Sensory debut A Sceptic's Universe was produced by none other than Neil Kernon known for his work in the past with such luminaries as Yes, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Brand X and Kansas. Kernon also put his mark as a producer on albums such as Queensrÿche's Rage For Order and Unleashed In The East by Judas Priest to name but two. So do expect a fair amount of technical prowess from all of the band members nicely put together by means of polyphonic parts.

Although Kernon has a lot of experience, the drums to me don't really come across as powerful as they should sound. However Lars K. Norberg's bass really cooks as his sound and skill can certainly compete with that of John Myung. As a first encounter "Spinning" sounds a wee bit too technical, yet that same feeling I had when I listened to Happy Family's debut for the very first time. You even could label Spiral Architect the Bondage Fruit of prog metal even if singer Øyvind Haegeland uses every metal cliché in the book. Certainly nice is "Occam's Razor" with Sean Malone of Gordion Knot and Cynic fame on stick. In fact, the guitar becomes inferior to the bass guitar which really stands in the spotlight all over this album. Maybe bass player Lars K. Norberg and guitarist Sean Malone should one day record an album together?

Released in the US by Sensory (SR3008)

Tracklisting:
Spinning (3:24) / Excessit (6:13) / Moving Spirit (3:45) / Occam's Razor (1:33) / Insect (5:54) / Cloud Constructor (5:25) / Conjuring Collapse (6:30) / Adaptability (4:35) / Fountainhead (6:30) / Japanese Bonus Track: Prelude To Ruin

Musicians:
?yvind H?geland - vocals, keyboards
Steinar Gundersen - rhythm, lead and acoustic guitars
Kaj Gornitzka - rhythm guitars
Lars K. Norberg - bass
Asgeir Mickelson - drums

Discography:
A Sceptic's Universe (2000)

Genre: Progressive-Power Metal

Origin NO

Added: September 26th 2000
Reviewer: John "Bobo" Bollenberg

Artist website: www.spiralarchitect.com
Hits: 3156
Language: english