Fragment Soul – Galois Paradox

Written by on 25-02-2024 at 21:46.

Today I am not going to talk extensively about the differences between progressive metal bands. But one thing I do need to get off my chest. What a great genre this is for the adventurous music lover. Whereas one band chooses to go down the path of technical, wicked guitar wizardry and accents, the other chooses to incorporate technical, yet dark playing and goes forth in a strangely arrhythmic way. Fragment Soul is a band that belongs expressly within the latter category. The debut Axiom of Choice managed to pass your editor on duty unnoticed, as well as Zware Metalen; we now get the chance to get acquainted with the band via this EP, Galois Paradox.

The Greek band consists of no less than six band members. Band members who each leave their own mark on the doom-infused progmetal with dark metal influences. The length of seven-and-twenty minutes makes Galois Paradox almost feel like a full album. Apart from the fact that the music is beautifully composed and designed, moreover profiting from an exceptionally clear production, vocalists Marc Durkee and Tamara Filipovic play a decisive role in the band’s sound. Each on their own or together, these are the two band members who know how to touch your soul, or stir your perception of feelings. Basically this is the type of music that stings in places you would rather it doesn’t. Or maybe it might if, like your editor on duty, you experience and regard music as an emotional expression or art form. WormHoleDeath is primarily a label for death, black, thrash and gothic metal, right? But with these Greeks, the label has added a very special band to their roster.

By the time A Faceless God is blaring at full blast through my ears, I’m staring at the floor for the third time with my lower lip trembling and with watery eyes. It’s all much, too much for me to put into perspective within my state of mind. It is not purely because of melancholy, emotion or a sad atmosphere that this has such an effect on my bleeding heart. This involves the sum of its parts, technical craftsmanship, illogically placed drum patterns, but, above all, the art of omission. Fragment Soul truly excels at the latter. Just listen to that serene singing part during The Pain Ceased, which ultimately culminates in a piece of magical harmonious singing. There is not one superfluous note, sound or tone on this EP and yet the band has the exceptional gift of letting the music speak for itself.

Anyone with even only a little feeling in his heart will easily break during All That I Despise. The following track focuses more on the underlying structures, patterns and harmonies. The whole thing sounds mesmerizing and very effective. And the aforementioned A Faceless God excels with its unruly drum pattern, emotive passages and the wonderful voice of lady Filipovic, who receives support from Mr Durkee a little later on. The lyrics are about, among other things, a past life, supernatural experiences and in part about restlessness. Themes that are close to my heart. A gently caressing keyboard part is present as well. What an absolutely melancholic drama unfolds here!

And no matter how long I continue listening and writing, there are hardly suitable words to be found for this music. The debut album has gone on my wish list immediately, although this masterful EP is going to keep me busy for a while. Fragment Soul, may you enjoy a long existence as a band, if only because there is so much to experience and enjoy when this six-piece collective fills the space with sounds, keys and tones. For me personally, this may be one of the most moving musical experiences since the debut Repose (2011) by the Norwegian band Omit.

Label:

Wormholedeath Records, 2024

Tracklisting:

  1. Eternal Night in Death
  2. All That I Despise
  3. The Pain Ceased
  4. A Faceless God
  5. This Empty Dream

Line-up:

  • Spiros Georgiou – Bass
  • Jimmy Louvros – Guitars
  • Marc Durkee – Vocals
  • Tamara Filipovic – Vocals
  • Stefanos Meletiou – Drums
  • Achilles Adamidis – Piano, keys

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