What can one expect from a literally young band? Seriously,
ASPERA comprises members who were born in 1989 while the band counts no more than five years of life. 'Metalcore' would be the appropriate answer, since this genre runs in these ages and has the lion's share in the CD sales. Fortunately -at least for my ears- these lads can brag about playing Hard Rock with strong progressive injections that in the end makes an impressive debut for
ASPERA.
Things look/sound promising after the short intro that brings the listener to
"Ripples". The ala
EVERGREY keyboard melodies introduce the expected
DREAM THEATER references preparing the ground for the warm vocals of
Atle Pettersen. This guy possesses a very good voice with a characteristic harsh timbre that works in favor of music originality. The
EVERGREY references show up from time to time in terms of groovy breaks and keyboard fills. Actually, the keys play an important role here and occasionally take the leading position in
ASPERA's music. The heavier songs reveal the
SYMPHONY X influences especially in the guitars and the faster tempos that totally justify the term 'Metal' beside
ASPERA's music description tag. Sometimes I swear I heard some
Victor Smolski influences that become more vivid in the guitar vibrato.
Nevertheless, what is really impressive is the maturity of this young band; I mean they try to maintain the interest in high levels without adding way too much work in the compositions. Despite the striking progressive Metal character, the album flows really smoothly and never crosses the boredom boundary many similar bands do, taking me to the dreamland…Diversity is in
ASPERA's blood and this is underlined during
"Catatonic Coma" that starts with some almost
NEVERMORE-esque guitars and enters the melody realm through the yet again impressive vocals 'till the
Satriani looking solo.
Without a single doubt this is an impressive debut and this fact kind of lights up the warning sign asking is this album a shooting star? Will
ASPERA continue to meet the high standards set in
"Ripples"? While these questions are waiting to be answered I invite you to enjoy
ASPERA's music and -why not?- celebrate the birth of a promising band.