The Isosceles Project is a band who proves that thinking outside of the box and believing in creativity can produce some remarkable results, and “Bridges” is most defiantly remarkable.
The Isosceles Project’s sophomore effort “Bridges” is an ode to the guitar riff, each of these three ten minute plus epic’s are filled with them. Whether they be on the proggier side of things, or more on the straight forward metal side; they are proper examples of how powerful a well crafted guitar riff can be.
Each song is a musical journey, taking you through the depths of progressive metal and then whisking you into the realm of headbanging. Back and forth The Isosceles Project train rages on, delivering you to places you never thought possible, without mind altering substances.
The songs have a strong atmospheric heir about them. There are many passages throughout “Bridges” that are intensely psychedelic and spacey, and they last just the right amount of time, before being thrust into another musical direction. This was one of the highlights of The Isosceles Project style of songwriting. Whether they’d be using progressive elements or more metal influenced passages they never lasted too long that they became boring. It always felt that, as soon as you started to lose interest in the direction it changed and went into a direction that once again brought life to the song.
It also has to be noted that A LOT of bands who tote progressive influences really have no idea how to use them. They over use them, or use them in such a way that it comes off as snobby and boring. This never occurs on “Bridges”. Every time you’d be in the thick of a heavily progressive passage it comes off as tasteful and as with the psychedelic influences it sticks around for just the right time, and then moves on to the next musical twist.
Overall the guitar work on “Bridges” is some of the best you will hear from this genre. It had everything you’d want from this sort of sound; spacey melodies, soaring leads, and head-bangable riffs. What more could one possibly want?
Another element that was well done was the bass. The bassist is extremely talented, and was heard throughout this three track epic. His fills added such depth to the already expertly written guitar work. Again as with the guitar; nothing was over done or distasteful; it all fit and blended so well with the guitar work, and again added more depth to the already fantastic song writing.
Due to The Isosceles Project being an instrumental group all three instruments have to come together and form a union while also giving room to each instrument to further the sound; and this is precisely what happened with the drums. They are extremely creative and incorporate some really intricate patterns which again; further the already masterful songwriting. You will find yourself air drumming at times, and will have you rewinding the track just to hear that pattern again. Fantastic.
Overall The Isosceles Project has crafted a masterpiece of an album. With their spacey psychedelic interludes and their progressive mind set while incorporating the power of the riff have created something so vibrant and atmospheric in a genre that can come off snobby and mundane; “Bridges” truly is a treat not only for the ears, but for the senses as well.
You owe it to yourself to listen to this album.
8.5/10
