'Spheric Universe Experience' is a French progressive metal formation which has already existed for twenty years, and which had a first period of activity in the 2000s, with 4 albums between 2006 and 2012, the latest being 'The New Eve' in 2012. The band then toured and 2017 has given the release of the live 'Live in London 2016' and we can emphasize that the French groups are not legion to manage to perform in the United Kingdom. After ten years without studio recording, it is the return of 'Spheric Universe Experience' to the front of the progressive metal scene with 'Back Home' which smells of the influences of the pioneers of this style in the end of the years. 90 and which takes us on a long science fiction journey for 70 minutes aboard the spaceship 'SUE5-2469'.
And, precisely, from the start, we are greeted by the short instrumental 'On Board SUE5-2469' which sets the scene and which shows an epic and cinematographic face to approach 'Final Fate' which begins with riffs of furious and fast guitar and which gives way to an energetic and melodic first title whose chorus comes directly to freeze in the head and which already shows a remarkable first vocal performance of 'Frank Garcia' and beautiful keyboard and guitar solos, the finale falling beautifully with some piano notes. It's off to a good start and 'Where We Belong' continues by bringing a dimension of classical music perfectly integrated into the energy of metal, the second part integrating a piano section which continues with a memorable melody quite admirable, then ' Transcending Real Life' is not to be outdone with new catchy melodic lines whose refrain can recall certain compositions of 'Threshold' and which alternates different atmospheres including a magnificent Arabic central part. The suite continues to offer us memorable melodies in elaborate constructions with 'Senses Restored' and its beautiful central break where we find the use of the piano and with the catchy 'Legacy', more direct, and presenting a new chorus. catchy. With 'Defenders Of Light', we hold the most energetic title which, on an up-tempo, develops a remarkable unbridled instrumental section in the second part of the title, then, the instrumental 'Synchronicity', with its organ sounds of space travel prepares the suite 'The Absolution' which begins with an epic rise with grandiose choirs and which continues on a long development with all the ingredients of an inventive and sought-after progressive metal while keeping catchy melodic lines. Follow 'Rebirth' and 'Of The Last Plague' which form only one title, the first of which begins with a recitative and which is more technical with a series of instrumental sections presenting numerous breaks and which gives way to the second in the same atmosphere but, sung this time, and which deploys a beautiful energy with a muscular accompaniment of guitars with heavy and powerful riffs and with some oriental digressions. And to end this dense album, 'Dreams Will Survive' deploys its 9 minutes with a long instrumental introduction in crescendo and a succession of varied sections including this central break with again the use of the piano or the sung part which follows on a tempo slower with harmonious melodic lines or even the following more unbridled instrumental part highlighting an inventive rhythm section with multiple facets, the finale taking up the melodic theme that never leaves us.
In summary, after a good while of absence, this new album 'Back Home' should put 'Spheric Universe Experience' back in a good place among the best formations of progressive metal, and if you are fans of formations like 'Dream Theater' or 'Threshold ' or Sons Of Apollo', you should, without a doubt, adopt this new offering from the French who show that you can also make good music in France... | |
