Periphery – Clear

Release date: 27/01/2014
Label: Century Media

By Tom
Clear is the latest release by Washington D.C based metal band Periphery. This EP features a ground breaking concept that I think is genius. Each of the group’s six members wrote their own song from composition to production. This concept gives the album diversity that provides a high-quality soundtrack for listeners that appreciate music.

Periphery consists of six very unique but highly skilled musicians and song writers. Lead guitarist Jake Bowen provides a wide array of riffs that got stuck in my head, that quality is extremely rare. It should come as no surprise that Bowen is the nephew of progressive metal guitar aficionado John Petrucci of Dream Theatre.

Vocalist Spencer Sotelo shows off his ridiculous vocal range while both screaming and singing through-out. Guitarists Misha Mansoor and Mark Holcomb compliment Bowen to perfection. Matt Helpern (drums) and Adam “Nolly” Getgood (bass) provide a groovy and heavy hitting low end that kept me engaged from start to finish. The opening track “Overture” was written collectively by Periphery to illustrate contrast in both sound and composition with individually written tracks.

“The Summer Jam”, written by Jake Bowen, is the first track following “Overture”. This track is highly technical and has authentic progressive metal outlay.My favorite track is “Feed the Ground” written by Drummer Matt Halpern. A wide array of drum fills and breakdowns are heard through-out this track, this really got my adrenaline pumping. This track has a flawless combination of groove, speed and technicality.
“The Parade of Ashes” written by vocalist Spencer Sotelo was another track that got stuck in my head. I find myself singing the chorus at random times. It’s a more simplified sound that is straight forward and has more of a modern day hardcore feel.

Clear sets the standard of quality that is unmatched. The diversity and genius concept of this album will make it an early year front runner for album of the year. I have already added this album to my music collection and I highly recommend it to all listeners. It’s well worth the money and then some. This album creates a musical journey that you will want to experience many times over. The only negative thing I can say about this album is that it isn’t long enough, but considering this album isn’t a full length release, that really isn’t all that bad now is it?

Track list:
1. Overture
2. The Summer Jam
3. Feed The Ground
4. Zero
5. The Parade Of Ashes
6. Extraneous
7. Pale Aura

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