Exposé: Apostate's "Seaborne" EP



Origin: Prague, Czech Republic
Genre: progressive metal

I listen to a wide variety of eccentric music. At the same time, though, my repertoire is full of Vertical Horizon and Lady GaGa amongst others. Light-hearted indie is my recluse, but when it comes to heavier genres, certain pieces will trigger an instant connection. Released last Tuesday, I know Apostate won't be for everyone.

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"Paragraph": The introduction begins appropriately with the sound of waves, as the EP is entitled Seaborne. I don't usually analyze minute-long overtures, but this was the track that ultimately turned my decision in favour of the group. It reminds me of In Flames older string arrangements, a distinct feature of many melodic metal bands. The transition into the raging guitar of "Omit The Words" is flawless.

"Omit The Words": The one thing European metal does best is the use of the English language. Any accents are extinguished in the duration of prolonged screams; the vocals are left sounding refined and sophisticated. Very little strain is apparent.

Take a moment to cherish something
that you always had felt, but never appreciated.
Were you too afraid of losing "independence"?

"False Footsteps": (A wonderfully angsty "who's your god now?") For an unsigned production, all five tracks are very clean and exhibit great musicianship. Both Alex and Nikki's guitars are perched cautiously atop a confident, unwavering drum line.

"Numbers Are Going Down": This ridiculous, straight-to-business opening is a head-on collision. Although the vocals on this track are the hardest to decipher, Anton has sacrificed no metal mentality in order to keep his vocals unfazed in comparison to other bands in the same genre.

"Raised On the Blood of Heroes": Taking it back a notch, I still wish there was a little more electric bass presence. "ROtBoH" explores different components of the accompaniment, while being no less impressive than the others. Personally, that sudden switch at 3:43 is the highlight of the entire EP. It leads into a powerful, choral, shout-sequence and concludes with a repeating chord on the keys.

Only the second entire album ever purchased by me on iTunes, there is little to criticize. I see a whole lot of potential in these five- Alex, Anton, Fedor, Nikki, Vlady (I can't seem to find full names), and if you happen to be in Prague this upcoming weekend, their release party is at the Chapeau Rouge.

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