Short Reviews [Master Experience - 2012 - "Billions of Grains"]

The self-described progressive metal band MASTER EXPERIENCE has been around since 1994, although without ever releasing any of their material until their debut album "Billions of Grains" appeared in the fall of 2012 as far as I can tell. On this half hour long production we're treated to a band merrily alternating between light toned art pop, toned down harder edged rock and occasional forays into a darker toned and harder edged metal oriented waters, sporting compact gritty riffs more often than not for this latter aspect. The various expressions supported by smooth fluctuating synth textures light in tone and cold in expression, this latter detail at times replaced by the warmer tones of the organ or darker, brooding electronic supplemental details. With powerful, melodic lead vocals on top the end result is stunning at best, although the band doesn't manage to combine their various aspects to the very best throughout. Still, an intriguing debut album that should be worth seeking out by those generally fond of accessible progressive rock and metal, first and foremost by those with a taste for both of those.

Olav M Bjornsen: June 26, 2013