EP REVIEW: Eclipse – Crossing The Rubicon

When it comes to crowded genres, standing out is a task that can only be completed by the inspired. Effectively infusing progressive metal with an instrument that stands out fiercely in a mix as a saxophone requires that all involved are dedicated enough to their craft to force the blend to work. Thankfully when it comes to Ohio two-piece CROSSING THE RUBICON, they don’t attempt such a thing half-heartedly, instead pouring an obvious amount of passion into their craft. The “sax-prog” duo’s latest EP Eclipse is evidence of that passion, and while some tracks nail the blend of instruments better than others, this release boasts a diverse range of influences that take their work to bold and interesting new ground.It may feel obvious from the artwork adorning this release and the opening track Rift that CROSSING THE RUBICON take some inspiration from the great sci-fi film scores. Rift is soaked with this cinematic potential, as is the third track Liminal, both of which echo the atmosphere of tracks from Hans Zimmer’s score for Dune (2021) such as Leaving Caladan and Ripples In The Sand.

These tracks set up what could have been a very different EP, but CROSSING THE RUBICON shift gears entirely with the second track Rite Of Passage, which sounds off abruptly with a crushing grind of tech guitar and drumming that soon takes a back-seat to the attention-demanding wails of the saxophone. It doesn’t always feel like a comfortable blend, but as the closing moments of the title track Eclipse fade away to give Coalescence its time, it becomes clear that “sax prog” can work as intended.

The synth intro and soaring guitar work that begins on the EP closer Totality set it up to be the best track of the collection, but unfortunately it simmers out shortly after the saxophone reappears for a final time, acting as more of a brief bookend than a fleshed-out track in its own right. Totality serves its purpose in this regard, but the difference in style compared to the other tracks make it stand out and what could have been the highlight of the record isn’t given its own space to breathe. The vivid interludes and closing track on this release may have been set to punctuate the more dynamic efforts, but it’s hard not to feel that they may have been some of the most interesting moments.

Rating: 6/10

Eclipse is set for release on October 27th via self-release.

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