Progressive Metal band Phase Transition releases their debut EP: Relatively Speaking. The combo was formed back in 2018 in Porto, Portugal by the drummer Fernando Maia and guitarist Luis Dias. They were later joined by Sofia Beco on violin and vocals, and Ze Pereira on bass. They play a multitude of genre influences, focusing primarily on Classical and Technical Progressive Metal. The EP was recorded, produced, mixed and mastered by Afonso Aguiar at Titanforged Productions. Relatively Speaking is available for Download...

'Shadows of Thought' is a shock to the system with a squeaky, high-pitched female voice when the instruments are playing acoustically. It fits a little better when the band is playing full-blown Metal. Her violin fits the piece perfectly though. I like the occasional surprise timing change in music, but Prog does aggravate me with its pretentious ‘clever’ meandering. 'Singularity' has a crunchy Metal opening riff which is almost humorously ‘fiddled’ about with. The vocals suit this one better because they are sung at a lower pitch. The slower moments have a Gaelic quality to them. The drumming sounds a little clicky; however, I’m not sure if that is down to the skins set-up or the production.

The spooky intro to 'In the Dark' reminds me of something I’ve heard before but can’t put my finger on. This is a slower piece which has elements of Pagan, Folk, and Nightclub Jazz. There is no Metal inherent, but nevertheless it’s the most interesting music on offer here. 'Sand and Sea' completes the proceedings with mystical vocals which inspire fantasy tales of the East. Then a juddering stop-start guitar breaks-in on the peacefulness. The two styles attempt to meld together, but I’m not entirely certain that it works. It even becomes a little dull in the middle of this almost thirteen-minute opus. I can kind of appreciate what Phase Transition is trying to achieve; it’s not for me, I’m afraid. Whilst intriguing, I struggled to enjoy the music – and it shouldn’t have to be a struggle. But then I’m not a fan of Experimental Prog Rock. It should be stated that this is early days for the band, and many artistes adapt to find their feet. Keep the fiddle though.

4

Ty Power