When you hear some progressive metal album, or progressive music generally, it usually ends up being same old same old. Without zero hints of progressiveness. When you hear something new, it always raises the question "is it really new and progressive?" In the case of Depth Beyond One's I must admit, that I'm hearing something different. Plus, usually I'd rather hit my fingers with a hammer than listen to some contorted music, but DBO manage to be warped and listenable. So, we are in for a rare treat, my friends.

I guess this Oulu, Finland, based quintet do what their souls and hearts say, not their musical abilities. And these guys do possess "some" musical abilities, believe me! They sound pretty fluidy, not so craggy. Well, for most of the time, because there is some out-of-mind type bouncing songs, for example the title track's first 4 minutes or so that are just a bit too wicked for my liking. 'Red Lines Entwined' is a concept album about lives of a few people, depicting moments from different ages. These lives aren't happy, or particularly sane. The general atmosphere is cold, which is usual for many a Oulu-based band.

The music is not merely metal, because there's a lot of varying building block here. It is very multi-level and definitely does not file under easy-listening. There's anything from aggressive, bouncing scenes to fragile (e.g. 'Wraith') and beautiful ones (e.g. 'Fig Leaves' which reminds me of some King Crimson). Prog in any form, jazz, extreme metal, and what not... Some of the stuff needs a lot of spins to get even a faint idea of what's going on, but gladly there's some easier material, too. The vocals are as varying as the music, and while the vocalist isn't a very good singer, he has a characteristic voice, but only his clean vocals, not the grunted and shouted ones. Organic, but unevenly balanced sound does cast its shadow over the whole, especially the rhythm section which at times sound disorganized with a lot of different percussion etc. used. Also, the sound lacks of punch.

Depth Beyond One's threw a really curvy curveball here. 'Red Lines Entwined' is a truly ambitious story album. If you want some prog music with different colours, it can be listened for free at the band's website. And if you find it even a bit promising, please order it from the band, because it's a totally independent release. I'm really struggling with how much should I give to this one. So, I shall give it a...

Rating: 6+ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
07/07/2009 11:19