Short Reviews [Hope to Find - 2010 - "Still Constant"]

The Turkish act HOPE TO FIND was formed by guitarists Zafer Yuksel and Seckin Can Koyuney back in 2003, and the EP/mini album "Still Constant" is their first effort. It consists of four tracks clocking in at just under the half-hour mark in total. Melodic progressive metal is the name of the game here, with slightly distorted staccato guitar riffs showcasing the direct, or possibly indirect, influence of the Canadian trio Rush as a central feature. Dampened keyboards flesh out the soundscapes nicely, and for the more energetic passages circulating dark riff constructions and majestic riff and keyboard constructions are utilized to good effect. What sets this act apart are ventures into funk-inspired territories added to this mix, and on final track City Soul they also head into a slick, melodic and distinctly jazz-oriented universe, prior to a harder hitting classic progressive metal end motif. Their highly melodic and mostly slick take on progressive metal blended with jazzier elements is an interesting experience and, in the case of the two tracks closing this production, ones well worth getting familiar with too.

Olav M Bjornsen: Jan 18, 2010