The Aurora Project – Shadow Border
The Laser’s Edge
http://www.lasersedgegroup.com/

Rating:  B

Dutch band The Aurora Project has been creating their unique brand of progressive metal for going on ten years now. Their latest endeavor entitled Shadow Border serves up almost an hour’s worth of modern sounding, melodic metal that places an emphasis on well crafted songs rather than highlighting the talents of each individual member.

“Human Gateway” commences the album in grandiose fashion but compared to the rest of the disc this is really just a sneak peak of what’s to come for the listener. “Photonic Reunion” is the only track under five minutes as the rest of the songs run in the six to seven minute range. Keyboardist Marcel Guyt sprinkles plenty of shimmering textures throughout which offsets the catchy riffs of guitarists Marcel van der Berg and Marc Vooys perfectly on the aforementioned “Photonic Reunion” as well as on songs like “The Trial” and “Within The Realms”. Vocalist Dennis Binnekade is like a breath of fresh air as his warm tonality and almost fragile delivery at times is definitely a welcome change from the plethora of operatic belters of most progressive metal outfits. Speaking of progressive, the band definitely reveals this side of their musical personality and saves the best for last on the absolutely epic closing number which is the title track. This multifaceted track is sixteen and half minutes of how best to employ the light and shade method in modern composition.

This was my first exposure to The Aurora Project but it won’t be my last ‘cause I can assure you that these talented musicians are definitely going to be on my radar from now on.    

  -Ryan Sparks