Parius -The Signal Heard Throughout Space (2022)

The United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Bandcamp 61 mins Bandcamp

Progressive Post Metal/Rock with Dark Melodic Intentions

Rating 90/100

The origins of the band started in 2011 with a group of 15 to 16-year-old Philadelphian High School Kids forming a ‘Death styled Metal Band’ known as ‘Epitaph’. As you would imagine such High School ventures break up and new members come and go with subsequent line-up and band name changes. Standing the test of time two original members Louis Thierry (vocals) and Ryan Rauch (guitars) remain at the forefront of the proceedings. The name ‘Epitaph’ was switched to ‘Pariah’ but rearranged to ‘Parius’ when it was realised that a local band had already claimed that name. So ‘Parius’ has no real meaning other than a moniker that the band like the sound of. From the internet, It would appear that the band rely on the web for both promotion and sale of their music as there is little evidence of touring schedules or gigs of any sort, especially on their ‘Facebook Page. This situation is further amplified when vocalist ‘Louis Thierry’, in a recent interview, said and I quote – “Honestly, it works great for us. We’re not a touring band and play piecemeal shows locally, so the fact that we can drive our music out into the world through the internet is a great gift for us. It allows everyone around the world to listen if they can find it! Luckily, we don’t see the band as something that will ever make us money and do other things to support ourselves” Maybe this is a sign of the times, the joy of creating music for the pleasure, fun and sheer exhilaration of doing so.

From a musical perspective, this is a no holds barred extravaganza of modern metal-driven progressive rock. It is a full-on, in-your-face, heavy riffing exposition diversified with multitudes of sweetly delivered symphonic passages. It is indeed a wonderful integration of superb vocal techniques merging seamlessly together with the intensities of powerfully driven instrumental passages that altogether form one all-over mighty “wall of sound”.

It is, without doubt, music that is filled in abundance with an unbelievable freshness, music with a new sharp modern edge. Even the curt nod towards death metal apparitions of past days, with much-rationed swaggers of growling vocals, is carried out ‘tongue in cheek’ in a well-considered fashion. That is to say, sufficient enough to pay homage to the genera but kept to a minimum level of sensibility. Above all, there is throughout the ten tracks, movement and drive with the swaying melodic intent of symphonic passages holding sway amongst the more rigorous guitar-driven sections. There is certainly much thought that has been invested into the arrangements with a profusion of excellent guitar contributions that in turn are decorated with swathes of beautifully administered keyboards. All of the lead instrumental output in turn is supported by a solid foundation of intricate bass and creative drumming. The vocals are extremely good with plenty of two-part harmonic contributions adding a nice melodic edge. Although instantly accessible, so much more is gained from subsequent plays.

Summary: A very enjoyable and very worthwhile album and whilst having a seemingly heavily laden edge, the music is, in fact, full of melodic charm and drenched with cleverly worked arrangements. The music is very tight and layered to absolute perfection. Almost certainly the result of many exacting hours of hard labour and practice in the recording studio.

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