Clouding The Truth. Exactly four years after their “Beholden to Nothing, Braver Since Then” album which was released back in February of 2014, the Prog Masters from Colorado, US, return with the “Can’t Be Seen By Looking: Blurring The Lines. Clouding The Truth.” album.
John Lutzow on guitar, keyboards and vocals, Derek Blake on bass and Raphael Gazal on lead vocals (new addition for the vocals, tis amazing talent is form Sao Paolo Brazil), is the current line up of the band. Mark Zonder (Fates Warning / Warlord etc.) has recorded the drums on this release. And yes I guess Mr zonder needs no further introduction, right?
I would not expect anything less than an amazing album by this band and this is not a simple fan statement. What I mean? If you take a careful look on the Leviathan discography, you would realize that -especially after their reunion- the band leaves a quite big amount of time between the release of each of their albums. That practically means that they produce and release music only on current timing letting the inspiration flow and working hard in each and every detail of each album. Most of the times-and in most of the bands- this specific process offers real good results. Yeah I know there are various circumstances that can influence an album release on a specific time point -we can probably ask John Lutzow, the spiritual father of the band about this-, but what I am trying to say is that Leviathan do not make records “on the fly” just to put them on a discography list. They have proven it in the past and their latest album just confirms this situation.
If you are into Leviathan’s sound you would feel familiar listening to this amazing piece of Prog art. The esoteric, complex and adventurous Leviathan song writing is here. Long compositions that would let various themes shine on the foreground. Themes that are combined together giving birth to magnificent songs. Songs that follow a specific structure as parts of the latest Leviathan concept. Each and every new listening of each and every song would let the listener discover new treasures. Melodies, rhythm phrases on bass and drums and a vocal arrangement that carries this special -almost narrative- vibe that has become our addiction on almost every Leviathan release after the reunion.
This is high class Prog Metal, played in this special way that only Leviathan can offer. It is complex, emotional, adventurous and magical. It is blessed by a wide range of musical influences -the 70s lyrical part of UK Prog Rock, the flamenco touches, the 90s Prog Metal references and lots of other stuff-.
Each and every song has a unique vibe. Everything shines on its own and at the same time, it shines even more when put together. But, are we dealing with another concept album? Well, once more, for the most part I’d say the lyrics throughout the album stem from the same concept. As a result, this approach gives birth to many questions which Leviathan manage to put on the spotlight with nothing but mastery. This is so typical (and great) of them and this time couldn’t be done in any different way. The United States of America as a country, as an idea, as a great community, as a society that strives for equality and freedom: all these and much more are put in question through the Leviathan lyrical prism.
What can I say. The release of such records is the main reason that I am still focused in music. I know that this is a personal comment and that you do not care, but I am pointing this to share with you the BIG impact that this records had to my ears even from the very first listening. And when such a record is released by a band that strongly believes in its art, that strongly respects its vision, remaining active -no matter the difficulties- to offer us such great music, well I am even more happier. Oh Yes, I am referring to Leviathan from Colorado US, if you still have not understood it.
Get the album now at: https://www.leviathanresurrected.com.
