Pathosray

Pathosray Review

I’m assuming that you are either a fan of progressive metal or you are not.

YOU AREN’T: Forget everything you knew about music. Seriously. Pathosray is progressive metal–and that means extended instrumental sections, gratuitous instrumental showmanship, occasionally goofy vocals/lyrics, and mind-boggling creativity and musical complexity. You might already get the “metal” part: yes, there are distorted power chords, solos, and headbanging. But progressive metal is so much more than that.
Band specific: This particular prog metal band (yes, “prog” is an acceptable abbreviation) will remind you somewhat of 80s Thrash: instrumentally and vocally. But there are also stunning keyboard sections (both “blazing fast” and “heartfelt”–the two main categories in prog metal), intricate drum patterns, exotic time signatures, and–surprise!–meaningful lyrics. If you truly are new to progressive metal, realize that this particular band emphasizes the “heavy metal” or “thrash” elements of the larger category of prog metal. If you love creative complexity and appreciate the onslaught of classic thrash, this is the band for you.

YOU ARE: Kudos if you skipped the tongue-in-cheek drivel above. Moving right along…if prog metal is all about beauty-and-the-beast, Pathosray definitely emphasizes the “beast” half. There’s more discord (thunder `n thrash) and less solos than you’re used to. I’m personally on the “metalhead” side of the prog scene, so this band really appeals to me. But I must admit that the relative dearth of gratuitous guitar solos is fairly disappointing (hence the 4 stars, not 5). Not that there aren’t keyboard solos and brilliant guitar-work throughout…just not as much virtuosic guitarage as I’d like.
Probably the closest comparison I can come up with would be Circus Maximus minus some solos plus some breakdowns.

So there you are. Pathosray–a brilliant debut by a thrashy prog metal band.

Pathosray Overview

Sensory Records is extremely pleased to announce the signing of Italian progressive metal band Pathosray. Italy has been the source of many great progressive metal bands over the past decade ‘ from the bombast of Rhapsody to the technical precision of Ra