ARCANICA
Elemental
Dark cosmic prog metal delights from the Philadelphian quintet.

Progressive metal has continuously evolved over the last 40 years, so it’s often difficult for newer bands to find their own sound. That’s why ArcAnica’s latest EP, Elemental, is noteworthy, as they blend influences such as Leprous, Haken and early Black Sabbath into a fairly fresh and rewarding collection.

Opener The Flood demonstrates this wonderfully, with its impassioned singing, chaotic instrumentation, and apocalyptic lyricism conveying plenty of dynamic undertones. Although the remaining three tracks don’t deviate very much from that formula, each of them offers a few special qualities. The initially peaceful Against The Wind, for example, incorporates traces of sludge rock and psychedelic rock as it becomes increasingly feisty and complex. Black Fire’s emphasis on playful acoustic guitar arpeggios and ever-changing tempos reveals more of the group’s multifaceted artistry, too, as do the melodic, Dear Hunter-esque verses and rhythms of closer The Fool’s Garden. ArcAnica even throw in a variety of vocal growls along the way, strengthening their ability to blend soothing and aggressive arrangements in engaging ways. JMB