ALBUM Review: Questing Beast- Birth
WORDS BY ANSELM ANDERSON
Prog Metal band Questing Beast hails from New England, USA. They recently released the first in a trilogy of records entitled Birth. The Ten Tracker is a concept album based on the World's End, a scornful god and an interdimensional system. The lyrical content and subsequent music would have impressed many fantasy novelists like George R.R Martin, Frank Herbert and J.R.R Tolkien.
Formed in 2019, the quintet of vocalist Joe Harris, guitarists, Joe's sister Jane and Shane Malouf- Pieterse, drummer Christian Kincaid and Warbringer bassist Chase Bryant on bass has spent the past three years writing, recording and mastering their modern-day masterpiece: a mixture of heavy metal, deathly growls, jazz passages and elements of opera. 'Birth' was produced by Benny Grotto at Mad Oak Studios in Allston, MA. Each track Is brought to life in a unique and bombastic fashion, enlightening and frightening us. The doom-stricken riffs of 'A Comet's Tale' open proceedings with its whimsical lyrics, crunchy riffs, and the skyscraping vocal melodies of Harris, which are as delightful as the music is unnerving. Harris interchanges with harsh and antagonistic vocals over complex time signatures and atmospheric music, creating a platform for each narrative character to express themselves. The drum fill's tenacity stays in time with the music's complexity as the winding riffs blend jazz and metal elements.
An example of mesmerizing power metal is "At Crater's Edge," which features dual harsh/clean vocals and tantalizing solos. As is often the case with many recent releases, instrumental interludes throughout the album allow the listener to catch their breath. 'Beneath Red Leaves' is a chaotic combination of maniacal death growls and sweet melodious vocals, accompanied by charging guitars and punishing drums, creating the sensation of a band on a warpath. 'Corruption' is a prog metal song with staccato rhythms, complex time signatures, harsh vocals, and a catchy chorus. I believe this track stands out as the best on the album because of its tempo changes and varying styles.
'Call of the North' reminds me of a song Dio would have written: towering vocals over marching rhythms, gritty riffs, and an impressive orchestra to back it up.
Finally, "Fate's Mirrored" is a pleasant outro as Harris sings over jazz accompaniment, with deathly growls and spine-chilling riffs.
"Birth" is perhaps may become one of the most underrated releases of the year. It features emotional and powerful singing, delicious riffs, and awe-inspiring songwriting, and incorporates orchestra and jazz elements. This signals the arrival of a new band to the metal scene.
Rating: 8.5/10
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
https://linktr.ee/questingbeast
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