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Let it be known however, that Scale The Summit brings something completely different to the table. Hearing that a release is “instrumental” in nature may turn you off from the get-go, but I hold high hopes that this band will be given a chance by the metal masses. Their sound is best described as “organic” - it is smooth, flowing, not at all noodly, and never delves into the territory of tech-shred wankery. The music is tasteful, melodic, thoughtfully and carefully crafted, and paints an image without words. The addition of vocals would in my opinion seem out of place in their work.
Truth be told, the musicians are GIT grads, play custom 7 and 8 string instruments, and are no less classically trained and capable of sheer sonic tomfoolery than the aforementioned outfit. Ironically, “Carving Desert Canyons” is actually a calculated exercise in restraint, presented with a true demonstration of class and finesse. Silence and dynamics are used to great effect, and much of the material is pure improvised melody. The talent these guys hold is used to forge ideas through sound, rather than pump out clichéd masturbatory tech.
Songs like the opener “Sargasso Sea” and also “Dunes” convey a definite mood and take you to a different place altogether. You don’t need to concentrate to listen to this music, in fact- its better if you don’t. Just relax and enjoy the sonic ride. “The Great Plains” is in my opinion the crowning jewel and shining moment of this album. It is perfectly written, ultra melodic, flows from beginning to end, and at no time sounds contrived or forced. The rest of the album carries on in similar fashion, ending in the epic length track “Giants” which is an excellent closing movement.
I can’t stress enough that listening to Scale The Summit takes you to a different world. It's like being a kid laying in the grass, staring up at the clouds and daydreaming about nothing in general. If you are looking for something “different” that will give you a relaxing break from face ripping metal, this is the ticket.
Rating: 89
Reviewed By: Dave Kolceski