ALBUM REVIEW: The Long Dream I – Ebonivory

There’s something in the water in Australia as of late. They are currently on a hot streak in the metal scene with NORTHLANE, VOYAGER and PARKWAY DRIVE being just a handful of names to achieve particular success. It is now time for progressive metal upstarts EBONIVORY to throw their name into the ring with their long awaited follow up to 2016’s Ebonivory II EP in the form of The Long Dream I which is available now via Wild Thing Records. Will this effort help them climb the ladder and join their compatriots?

Introduction is not your run of the mill intro sequence, kicking off with a theatrical heaviness that fades into soothing piano tones. Powerful solo work also leaves its mark, opening the door for Hanmer Street. Vibrant guitar work and punchy drums take centre stage as impassioned vocals and segued growling segments provide the ideal accompaniment to the arrangement. Persist offers up an initially tense atmosphere alongside jabbing riffs before bringing forth an upbeat quirkiness and infectious melodies. Electronic experimentation cuts through the pouring rain of Patting The Black Dog as snappy drumming and eccentric tempo shifts begin to emerge. Emphatic vocal surges add some further diversity to proceedings.

Cats displays a relaxing vibe with subtle, floating vocals leading the way. Prominent bass lines and a distinct rawness assist in the minimalist design.  A Colour I’m Blind To ups the ante with an enticing, buoyant flow as heavy and lighter tones alluringly blend to keep you guessing. This track wraps you up in a cathartic embrace whilst still maintaining its liveliness. Sea Sons allows you to drift away on it’s calming waves and echoing instrumentation, providing a palate cleansing interlude that neatly leads into the chilled, peaceful tones of In Reverie. The softness allows for a moment of escapism before suddenly bursting into life towards the latter stages.

Window Man witnesses a return to the technical flamboyance instilled previously as well as dishing out some dark, ominous elements to raise the intensity. Explosions After Dark lures you in with its tempting tones and inviting grooves, hitting you with sudden bursts of ferocious growls for good measure. As it gathers momentum the aggression and chaotic elements are dialled up in equal measure. Tales Of Termina builds on this with bouncy, addictive musicianship overlaid by serene vocal passages and additional elements of devilish intensity.

The Bluegums opts for a moment of contemplation as you can hear birds innocently tweeting in the distance. Whether it was a wise choice to implement an 8 minute plus installment towards the latter stages of a thirteen track album is up for debate but there are still plenty of exciting sections to capture your gaze, twisting and turning between a variety of styles and tempo switches. As we venture towards the last hurdle Introvection shows zero intention of leaving this release in a subdued state, bringing a tantalising combo of charged riffing and assertive drumming to the table. Soaring vocals join forces with venomous growls in a Jekyll vs Hyde type fashion. Expertly executed solo work adds the exclamation point to drive this one home.

The Long Dream I may test your attention span with it’s run time but if you persevere through its chapters you will be transported on a glorious musical journey which contains a multitude of fascinating layers. Elements from the heavier side of the spectrum meticulously mesh with the softer side of progressive metal and this is what makes EBONIVORY such a force to be reckoned with. Their fearless approach on this release will be sure to turn heads and allow them the opportunity to broaden their reach.

Rating: 9/10

The Long Dream I is out now via Wild Thing Records.

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