False Coda - Closer To The Edge

False Coda

Closer To The Edge

by Matt Coe at 08 June 2014, 5:37 PM

Forming in 2009, this Greek Progressive Metal outfit FALSE CODA has gone through the natural growth period that often happens within this country – an uphill battle to keep members together on the same page musically and also survive the necessary measures of mandatory military service. This year we find their 7 song debut album “Closer to the Edge” gracing the airwaves, and their template is in line with a lot of North American acts such as DREAM THEATER and SYMPHONY X, as well as a touch of the darker European influence that has made TAD MOROSE a long time favorite.

After a decent opening instrumental “Simple Rules”, the 6 minute plus “Code of Kindness” has a number of twists and turns in its mid-tempo template – never super technical but featuring a lot of synchronistic maneuvers in terms of the guitar/ keyboard interplay, and the drumming shifts speeds at wills while the choice of tones can be slightly staccato (guitar) or old-school (an organ sound at times). The follow up “Picture” reveals the main weakness for FALSE CODA lies in the vocal hands of Manos Xanthakis. His main issue is not the caliber of his multi-octave voice- it’s often the choice of phrasing and range at key points in songs that make the material sound a touch awkward when something a little lower in register would work a hundred times better.

“Room of Pain” has a little bit of a marching swing that works well for all members, guitarist Vasilis Milios shifting around between progressive and power riffs while lighting the sky through his brilliant intuitive melodic lead breaks as keyboardist Lefteris Kapetanios lays down piano, organ, and keyboard tones that support the major hooks of the arrangement. The 7:50 closer “Blood on Eyes” showcases FALSE CODA in a more commercial light, this epic possessing a lot of funky elements in the verses while a lot of the heaviness comes through in a DEEP PURPLE meets SYMPHONY X manner, the lead break taking things in a jazzy direction.

Consensus overall is that “Closer to the Edge” is a deep, dynamic album that isn’t necessarily the most technically intricate offering, but something most in the progressive metal genre will appreciate for its talent and songwriting levels.