First of all, let’s point out that in the eight years since the release of PROFESSOR EMERITUS’ debut, “Take Me to the Gallows” (No Remorse, 2017), the band’s lineup has changed almost completely. The great Lee Smith (guitars, keyboards) remains, but he has now officially handed over bass duties to Jose Salazar, while Tyler Antram takes over lead guitars (I think that both had participated in the previous album, though not credited as members). Drums are now handled by Chris Avgerin, and behind the mic we no longer find FER DE LANCE’s MP Papai, but rather Esteban Julian Pena of ACERUS – the Chicago scene is on full parade here, with Salazar and Antram coming from the heavy metallers TIGER FIGHT and Avgerin from the death crusters NEQUIENT, all bands hailing from Illinois’ biggest city and, naturally, the hometown of PROFESSOR EMERITUS.
Having started in 2010, PROFESSOR EMERITUS are not among the most productive bands, but I personally really liked their debut, and I was genuinely excited when I found out this was the year of their return from obscurity!
Let me say it straight away – I liked their second effort, titled “A Land Long Gone”, even more. I found it more direct, more emotional, a deeper confession of the band’s power/doom vision and an excellent offering for fans of ARGUS, PALLBEARER, DAWNBRINGER, TERMINUS (CAN), SOLITUDE AETURNUS, CANDLEMASS, and CRYPT SERMON.
The album kicks off with monumental power, as the 8-minute-long “A Corpse’s Dream” showcases the stunning cohesion of the new lineup, the superb performance of frontman Esteban Julian Pena, and a deliberate expressive pluralism that strikes a fine balance between force and melody.
Up next is the first single, “Zosimos”, which wraps us in exotic harmonies before unleashing a galloping, epic unfolding reminiscent of IRON MAIDEN at their finest – yes, there are many νοτ-so-fine ways to be MAIDEN-esque, obviously! Another 7 magical minutes go by and then comes “Passage”, tight, straightforward, full of energy and drive, which halfway through shifts its tone and gifts us a highly melodic solo, dropping the intensity but turns up the mellowness to the max.
Next is “Pragmatic Occlusion”, a purebred epic doom metal track that awakens memories of the genre’s great forefathers – besides those I’ve already mentioned, the aura of TROUBLE is present here, just as it was throughout PROFESSOR EMERITUS’ debut. I must note that I found the drumming on this one simply OUTSTANDING!
“Defeater” is a track in the epic heavy style of VISIGOTH and ETERNAL CHAMPION, truly well-crafted and with a memorable rhythmic backbone that supports the UNREAL melodic richness of the twin guitars in exemplary fashion – guitars that deliver a masterclass in consistency and technique without ever resorting to anything contrived.
And if there’s one track where Esteban Julian Pena’s wonderful vocals not only shine but absolutely dazzle, it’s “Hubris” – this was the moment I became fully convinced that he was a wise and truly fitting choice for the band. A GREAT slow track, and such songs always lay bare the abilities of singers. Pena not only meets the challenge but delivers a humble tour de force. And again – THOSE DRUMS, and THAT guitar solo!
Yes, PROFESSOR EMERITUS are back with an album that absolutely must not remain in the shadows!
And mind you – there are still two more tracks to walk you through!
The fierce and awakening “Conundrum”, in the doom vein of SORCERER and BELOW, and the EPIC “Kalopsia Caves”, the album’s closing piece and, by the dark, subterranean realms, WHAT A WAY TO DROP THE CURTAIN!
A 9-minute opus that, if intended as a counterweight to the UNBELIEVABLE “Decius” from “Take Me to the Gallows”, which also closed the tracklist, then I’ll say this – even if it doesn’t surpass it, it certainly stands on EQUAL footing! A deeply lyrical elegy, which especially in its midpoint – where IRON MAIDEN once again rise to guide the inspiration – unfolds a beautiful side of the band, gradually ramping up the tension again, all the way to the grand finale. WHAT A SONG!
I already said it above, and I’ll say it again: DO NOT ignore this release.
I know, it doesn’t come with fanfare, I don’t think I’ve seen a single review of it yet, even though its official release isn’t far off – if one exists, I apologize for my poor search skills. What I want to say is: it DESERVES your attention, because there is precious metal here – PURE GOLD!
The cover artwork once again belongs to the great Adam Burke.
“A Land Long Gone” will be released on June 13th by No Remorse Records on CD.
Check the discussion about the album in our forum pages.
You can pre order the CD here.
