There have been many progressive rock collaboration collectives emerging in recent years, and during band breaks, and pandemic created opportunities. The latest of these collaborations is The Progressive Souls Collective; who release their debut album, Sonic Birth, on the honored day of September 11 of this year.
The Progressive Souls Collectivewas formed with the inspiration of Florian Zepf, who plays lead guitar. The band also includes accomplished musicians from around the progressive spectrum: Vladimir Lalic, on lead vocals; Conner Green, on bass; Aquiles Priester, on drums; Luis Conte, on percussion; and Kevin Moore, on loops/programming. Special guests include Derek Sherinian, on keyboards.
This is a powerful collection of progressive metal rock, similar in sound to the unity of Dream Theater and OSI; of which nearly half the band consists; of former members.
Every track is a winner, but my favorites include:
The opener, “Metature”, which launches this album. It is the perfect opener. Spacey keys from Sherinian give way to deep bass and cool electric lead guitar rhythms, along with what sounds like harmonica in the background. It is like hearing a mind – meld of Boston’s “Launch”, mixed well with Supertramp’s “School”. Excellent start.
From there, they take it up another notch with “Comfortable Darkness”, and Vladimir Lalic’s first vocals. A growler, without the nastiness of super dark metal, though I am sure he can go there. Fits the band perfectly. Heavy, but not over the top. Acoustic guitars set the pace, as Lalic sings over the powerful drumming from Aquiles Priester. He has a little of the sound of Chris Cornell, when he cries out. Sherinian’s keys are a showpiece throughout this album and are highlighted well here.
“Killing True Beliefs” opens with drums and congas, sounding like something from Santana. It is probably my favorite song on the album because of the tip of the hat to Carlos. The rhythms are hypnotic, thanks to Luis Conte. Sherinian’s keys are atomic, but this is Aquiles Priester’s showcase. One of the best drum performances of the year. There is a lot of great guitar work after the initial opening, but thankfully they allow Priester to close the song with those fantastic drums.
“Fractional Emotion”, “A Formula for Happiness”, “Inner Circle”, “You and Me Alone”, and “Hurt” sound similar to many Dream Theater/OSI songs that I’ve heard before. They are all good songs, but not worthy of separate discussions.
“Destiny Inc.”, at 15:37, is the longest track on the album. On this one I hear a lot of what I heard last year on Tool’s Fear Inoculum. Not as good as the original sound, but you definitely can hear the influence. Nonetheless, it is one of the best songs on the album, and of the year, so far. Sherinian and Priester are prime again on this song. Florian Zepf’s lead electric guitar work is amazing here as well. Also, this is Lalic’s best vocal work. Conner Green’s bass stands out, bringing the whole band together for this epic.
“Mind Treasures”, is an excellent instrumental, full of Sherinian’s keys and atmospherics, along with excellent lead guitar from Zepf.
“With Others”, is not the powerful closer I was expecting from this new group. Though, great effort by Sherinian’s keys and Zepf’s lead electric guitar.
This is a great album for all Dream Theater, OSI, Tool, and heavier progressive rock music fans. One of the better releases this year. Perfect sounding on full blast, out of the car speakers, roaring through the scenic Olympic Peninsula, as it is through earphones on the living room sofa. Give this album a spin and enjoy.
Track List
- Metature – 4:58
- Comfortable Darkness – 2:49
- Killing True Beliefs – 6:27
- Fractional Emotion – 6:06
- A Formula for Happiness – 6:50
- Inner Circle – 2:11
- You and Me Alone – 5:13
- Hurt – 4:43
- Destiny Inc. – 15:37
- Mind Treasures – 1:44
- With Others – 6:19
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