Memoreve
Insignia EP
(Self-Release)
Progressive metal basically got its start from a little known band called Dream Theater and has seen an impressive resurgence due to groups like TesseracT and Periphery. So it makes sense for a band to combine the two prog camps into one, right? UK upstarts Memoreve do just that with their debut EP, Insignia. Their sound takes the post-Meshuggah groove and dramatic flair of the modern prog metal scene with the synthesized melodies and manageable levels of cheese from groups like Dream Theater and Symphony X. Memoreve’s sound is mostly mid-tempo, emphasizing grandiose compositions over technical flair.
The EP plays out as many debuts do: full of promise and uneven execution. “These Reflections” is easily the standout, with the vocal and keyboard melodies soaring over a nice guitar groove. “Descendant” starts out with a Textures-style poly-rhythm, and it’s the most immediate of the four tunes. Memoreve are just as adept at more urgent tempos, though vocalist Colin Callanan sounds a bit strained at times. The album begins and ends with its two weakest tracks. The title track is an extended five-minute intro that takes too long to get to the point, while the closing track sputters to the finish line. “Alleviate” isn’t a bad tune, but it feels too familiar sonically, while Callanan’s vocals are at their weakest.
Overall, Memoreve are certainly a talented prog metal band, but the world has a lot of those already. There are the bones of a potentially great new group, but this introductory EP only offers potential instead of actual greatness, unfortunately.
