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EP REVIEW: Elevenwire- Blood Red Sun

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 Words by Anselm Anderson


Prog metal act ElevenWire has released their debut effort Blood Red Sun via OOB Records. The album has nine prog-rock fusion tracks with jazz, metal and beautiful atmospheric soundscapes.

The album follows a dystopian concept based on the emergence of AI (Artificial Intelligence) ruling the planet. The trio of brothers, John and Robert Hughes, along with long-time buddy Jim Armstrong, capture the tone of this nightmarish scenario through subliminal guitar interplay, string arrangements, and soaring keyboards reminiscent of the late Jon Lord. In modern times, it is rare to hear a progressive rock release that sounds like the luminaries of the 1970s, such as Rush and Genesis.

The release was mixed by guest drummer Eric Gillette at his studio in Tulsa, OK, USA. This further assists in the development of an immaculate work full of quality songwriting, thought-provoking lyrics, and harmonic vocals.

The album opens with the melancholic string arrangements of "Overturee00," creating a symphonic atmosphere that sets the mood for the entire work. This transitions to the infectious 'Zero One,' featuring its powerful rhythms, impressive vocals, and crunching guitar riffs that elevate the atmosphere.

The album explores subtle jazz fusion elements on the impressive keyboards and captivating blues guitar solos, creating a world of both apprehension and marvel. 'Aggressive Tendencies' showcases an energetic keyboard performance akin to Jon Lord with heavier riffs, While 'Kaleidoscope' is a six-minute melodic piece, it is multilayered with harmonious and soaring vocals.'Where Do We Go From Here' is a hard rock track influenced by the music of the 70s, featuring dynamic riffs. The album finishes where it started with an epilogue, a spoken monologue over a jazz-infused background.

Overall, "Blood Red Sun" is a remarkable addition to any Prog Rock collection. It can blend various musical ideas with atmospheric music and a concept that many can relate to in the modern world.

Rating: 9/10

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