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""Final Pitch" is a complex yet accessible album, somewhere between instrumental progressive metal and fusion metal, styles in which Arch Echo has made a name for itself."
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4/5
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Formed in 2016 by keyboardist Joey Izzo, producer, sound engineer and guitarist Adam Bentley and bassist Joe Calderone, Arch Echo are an American instrumental prog/fusion metal band who are starting to make some noise on this side of the Atlantic. After two promising albums in 2017 and 2019, they return at the end of 2023 with "Final Pitch", their third studio album.
Arch Echo are inspired by progressive bands such as Dream Theater, whose music is quite similar, complex but resolutely accessible. To achieve this, they rely on catchy, melodic compositions despite complex rhythmic structures. Purists will appreciate this.
The influence of Dream Theater is palpable right from the opening chords of 'Angy Sprinkles', with its characteristic combo sounds. The guitars are very present in accompaniment or chorus, while Izzo's twirling keyboard is reminiscent of the prowess of Jordan Ruddess. The New Yorker invites moreover himself on "Aluminosity", which is tailor-made for him in a jazz fusion rather than metal vein, reminiscent of recent Simon Phillips productions.
Other distinguished guests include Mexican saxophonist Adrian Tarrazas-Gonzalez (ex-The Mars Volta) and Anthony Vincent, an American youtuber famous for his vocal prowess in every possible style of metal. The two are featured on the excellent eponymous track 'The Final Pitch', which also straddles the boundaries of several styles, thanks to the multi-faceted vocals of its performer.
Constantly oscillating between several highly complementary styles, and above all perfectly integrated with one another, Arch Echo alternates between typically instrumental progressive metal tracks such as 'Red Letter', 'Cloudsplitter' and 'Super Sudden Death', and more subdued rock/jazz fusion atmospheres such as 'Battlestar Nostagica' and 'Bet Your Life'. A small feat given the positive alchemy, making their music easy listening for fans of both genres.
The impeccable production makes room for each instrument, detaching each note for new sonic discoveries with each listen. It's a masterpiece made possible by the finesse of the writing and the above-average interpretation. No indigestion, thanks to rich compositions whose format doesn't drag on too long.
As you'll have gathered, "Final Pitch" is a complex album in terms of structure and composition, but one that provides real pleasure for those who appreciate the styles in which Arch Echo move fluidly between instrumental progressive metal and fusion metal. The Americans have carved out a place of choice with their music, which is as meticulous as it is expressive. - Official website
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TRACK LISTING:
01. Angry Sprinkles - 4:34
02. Aluminosity - 5:43
03. Red Letter - 4:50
04. Final Pitch - 4:34
05. Cloudsplitter - 4:59
06. Battlestar Nostalgica - 4:49
07. Bet Your Life - 5:39
08. Gold Dust - 5:31
09. Super Sudden Death - 5:12
LINEUP:
Adam Bentley: Guitares
Adam Rafowitz: Guitares
Joe Calderone: Basse
Joey Izzo: Claviers
Richie Martinez: Batterie
Adrián Terrazas-gonzález: Invité / Saxophone
Anthony Vincent: Chant / Invité
Jordan Rudess: Claviers / Invité
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