MEVYN

In a move designed to broaden its black metal filled roster, Killzone Records has released "Splintered Skies" by Texas progressive metal band MEVYN. After first self-releasing the disc, Killzone called and MEVYN went back to the studio to record an additional song ("How Far We Fall") and included a 16-page booklet and new artwork. What you get with "Splintered Skies" is 73 minutes of progressive metal that obviously takes cues from the A-list of prog bands that have come before, but with a big emphasis on the "metal" part of prog metal.

Thrashy riffs and shredding guitars are found everywhere. Keyboards are present, but mainly used for accent. The production is not first rate, which in this context only means that it is raw and natural, as opposed to being digitized to the point of paralysis. If anything, those metal heads with a limited attention span for compositionally meandering prog may at least enjoy this one for its undeniably heavy and metal attributes. Vocalist Rick Clark delivers in a somewhat traditional mid to upper register prog style, but maintains more of an edge and his soaring moments do not reach the stratosphere.

For as many twists and turns taken on these involved arrangements, the group always comes back to a catchy melody. "Future Untold", the above mentioned "How Far We Fall", and "Answer Me" are cases in point. And yes, there are jam sessions galore on this one. "One World", though a tad awkward in parts, launches into a kind of prog boogie and includes a bass and drum solo as well. The powerful "Seize" with its command chorus-shouts leaves the song's main path for a proggy excursion as well. A Spanish acoustic guitar piece called "Furnulum Pani Nolo" is also included.

Without needlessly dissecting any further, suffice it to say that this is called "progressive" metal for a reason. You will not find three-minute MTV ditties on this one. "Splintered Skies" is an accomplished album from a very talented band. Its secret weapon may end up being the act's strong sense of melody, which is a good sign for future releases. When compositional complexity is a virtue, the ability to etch a melody line in the listener's brain goes a long way.