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Aspera - Ripples

SKU 0515-2
WOW! Inside Out hasn't been signing much progressive metal the past few years but head honcho Thomas Waber has a great set of ears and knows talent when he hears it. Aspera is a young Norwegian band and the latest signing to Inside Out. They were formerly known as Illusion but changed their name before the release of the disc. These guys are displaying a tremendous amount of talent here. I'm instantly reminded of another band from Norway...Circus Maximus. Lots of melody, fantastic musicianship, keys flying everywhere, punishing riffs, maybe a touch of AOR on the harmonies, dramatic guitar solos - yeah this one is a keeper. Vocalist Atlee Pettersen has a solid set of pipes and fits this band like hand in glove. This is their first album, I can only imagine where these guys are going to go from here. Highest recommendation - BUY OR DIE!
  • Style:Progressive Metal
  • Record Label:Inside Out
Your Price $12.00
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Customer Reviews

Average Rating

Good. The vocal style seems like it was intended to be the type that sounds raw, raspy, and juvenile, but somehow it rides right on the line without falling over it ...this turned out to be a replay listen on many tracks. This is more forceful and melodically full, therefore it is many notches above standard prog!
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Awesome debut album...one of the best i have heard in years....Every track is a winner. Fantastic interplay between guitar and keys and then mind-blowing solos from each. Vocalist has a great set of pipes and drums and bass of equal talent. Take all the best elements of Circus Maximus, Seventh Wonder, DT and moments of Pagans Mind and you have Aspera (i disagree to several references to Evergrey even on the sticker on the CD!)...Brilliant just brilliant...these guys have a very bright future with only an average age of 21 !!! Buy it! S UK
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Absolutely mind-blowing debut album. While not quite hitting the same level as the debut Circus Maximus, it certainly comes in a solid second. Keyboards are the highlight for me on this one, as they shine on every single track. "Between Black & White" is one of the best prog/power songs I've heard in awhile. Highest recommendation for fans of Circus Maximus, Illusion Suite, Status Minor, and older Pagan's Mind.
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