TERAMAZE — Esoteric Symbolism (review)

TERAMAZE — Esoteric Symbolism album cover

Album · 2014 · Progressive Metal

4/5 · 2014-08-17
UMUR

"Esoteric Symbolism" is the 4th full-length studio album by Australian progressive metal act Teramaze. The album was released through Nightmare Records in April 2014. Teramaze were founded in 1993 and released two studio albums in the 90s before a longer recording break from 2001 until 2012 began (they released a promo and a compilation in those years though). Teramaze returned in 2012 with their 3rd full-length studio album "Anhedonia" and with the release of "Esoteric Symbolism", only two years after it´s predecessor, it seems that Teramaze are now more active than ever.

The music on "Esoteric Symbolism" is melodic progressive metal. I hear clear nods toward an act like Dream Theater, but a band like Anubis Gate is also a valid reference. Teramaze used to be a more thrash oriented band, but besides some really heavy riffing and some thrashy parts, that occur now and again, this is melodic progressive metal through and through. Tempo- and time signature changes, challenging guitar playing, keyboards (mostly used as backing and for enhancing atmosphere, rather than as a lead instrument), relatively complex songwriting (but with hooks and memorable choruses) and a melodic lead vocalist in Brett Rerekura. He doesn´t have the most distinct sounding voice or delivery, but he gets the job done and his singing style is pleasant enough and generally suits the music well.

The musicianship are on a high level and "Esoteric Symbolism" is a well produced affair too. At 78:07 minutes it might be a bit long for the casual listener, but that´s probably not an issue for fans of the band. Overall "Esoteric Symbolism" is a high quality progressive metal album and while I don´t find it wildly original sounding, it´s creative and adventurous enough and combined with the high level musicianship and professional sound production, it makes for a pretty great listening experience. A 4 star (80%) rating is deserved.

more than 2 years ago
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Kustin wrote:

more than 2 years ago

The album already seized me from the moment the samples played and I must say, listening to the whole work verifies the promise in their mature songwriting and darker approach in the prog-power metal music. Quite pleasant to know why they share labels with my favorite bands such as Anubis Gate and Seventh Wonder.

adg211288 wrote:

more than 2 years ago

I really liked Brett actually but more so on Anhedonia than on this one. Their new singer wouldn't sound out of place in Kamelot based on what I've heard of him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbCN909aK2M

UMUR wrote:

more than 2 years ago

I think I read somewhere that they had parted ways with their vocalist, so it´ll be interesting to hear what a new vocalist can bring to the table. This guy is alright, but I´m not wildy enthusiastic about his voice and singing style. And that has nothing to do with his skills, because technically he is skilled enough.

666sharon666 wrote:

more than 2 years ago

They're already working on a follow-up to this one, so hopefully they'll find their own sound again.

adg211288 wrote:

more than 2 years ago

Definitely a good album. My main problem with it though is that I always thought they had more of their own identity on Anhedonia. Here they don't do anything that Anubis Gate doesn't do better to my ears.