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Spiral Architect - A Sceptic's Universe

Tuesday, 11 December 2007

Editor's rating

10.0

out of 10

Reviewed by:
Chad Coup
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Tuesday, 11 December 2007
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Music Information

Track Listing:
01. Spinning
02. Excessit
03. Moving Spirit
04. Occam's Razor
05. Insect
06. Cloud Constructor
07. Conjuring Collapse
08. Adaptability
09. Fountainhead

Artist: Spiral Architect
Title: A Sceptic's Universe
Genre: Progressive Metal • Jazz Fusion
Release Date: 18 January 2000
Record Label: Sensory Records
Format: Full-length
Country: Norway
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Editor review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful


Overall rating (weighted)		10.0
Musicianship		10.0
Composition		10.0
Experimentation		10.0
Production		10.0
Value		10.0

"Spiral Architect is about continual development, idealism, and intensity. Spiral Architect is controlled anarchy. The aim is to make music that challenges the listener, as well as pushes the abilities of the musicians and man. A new era of thinking man's metal is about to begin..." -- Spiral Architect's personal manifesto.

This record is of monumental importance to me. When I was ignorant of the vast diversity of metal way back in the early 2000's, a buddy of mine played this CD on me in-between shifts at the movie theater we both worked at. Instantly, the intense creativity, sheer originality, technicality and melody caused my perception in music to change forever. Spiral Architect creates technical music that transcends 'progressive metal' into something far more beautiful and complex. The time signatures and absolutely mind-melting transitions push this album as the most progressive and technical album ever made. It's not for everyone and few will really understand where it's coming from, but its importance is not to be taken lightly. Regardless if one likes this music or not, one must be able to respect the talent.

This is one of those rare albums that manages to be so incredibly complicated, so obscure and obtuse but doesn't lose its sense of composure or sheer ear for what makes music good in the first place. Listening to this band is, for me, the musical equivalent of looking God in the eye.

This band is undoubtedly its own entity in every aspect. Their song progressions are so unpredictable yet remain so profound and harmonious. The lyrics are intelligent, esoteric and truly progressive. I still have very little real understanding of what they speak of, but I do know that the writings of Ayn Rand ('Atlas Shrugged,' 'The Fountainhead,' and 'Anthem') were behind it. The final track of the record is named after one of these books ("Fountainhead") and paraphrases a part of it. "Where's the I, Fountainhead of progress?" the lyrics ask. The lyrics are very much as progressive as the music that play around them.

The technical skill of all the musicians is enough to gawk over. There is not one member of this band that doesn't amaze on every level: timing, writing and playing skill, etc. The drummer, Asgeir Mickelson, is a rhythmic beast. He rivals some of the best drummers in metal such as Danny Carey when it comes to creative patterns and sheer technical skill. The vocalist reminds me of former Fates Warning vocalist John Arch, with his dynamic, soulful wailing. The bassist, Lars K. Norberg, is heard at all times delivering some mind-melting patterns. Bass is always heard in the mix, and it pops in and out like watching popcorn jump out of a kettle. The dual guitarists are in a constant dialogue and nail the harmonizing and the solos to a tee. As a bonus Cynic/Gordian Knot bassist Sean Malone guest starred on this album by playing the Chapman Stick on track four. The production, by Neil Kernon, is clear as water and mixed to perfection. Every instrument is heard perfectly well and that's something that few CDs can claim to do since the 70s ended.

Don't be fooled into thinking this is another cheesy pseudo-power metal/prog act. These guys took obvious influence from Fates Warning and WatchTower back in the '80s and somehow crossed musical dimensions to create an album so artfully and technically accomplished that it has yet to be equaled. They even covered an '86 Fates Warning song "Prelude To Ruin," from their album 'Awaken The Guardian,' on the Japanese release of this CD. This is my most listened-to album and continues to refresh and amaze me with each spin.

The only downside is that 'A Sceptic's Universe' is the band's only album and it was released in 2000. The liner notes reveal recording took place in '98 and mixing in '99. I've heard they're currently writing for a follow-up and I'm sincerely hoping its day is in the next decade. This is technical progressive metal at its finest. I hope another band, including Spiral Architect itself, can come close to replicating the accomplishment that is this album. Everyone who considers him or herself a technical metal fan must purchase this album. It may not click with you at first, but if you give this album the attention it deserves, the myriad of musical layers and enhanced comprehension will make you glad that you took the time.

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