Can you hear it? The sounds of familiar 8-bit noises and metallic riffs ring through the air. “What is this sound.”, you ask yourself. This is the sound of Urizen. Born from a secret laboratory in Colorado and transported to Texas, Urizen are on the rise. There latest record, Universe:Red sets a new standard for progressive metal.
Universe:Red is the third installment from Texas Avant-Metalers Urizen. From the first track, “A Noiseless Flash” you can already tell this will be a special album. Reminiscent of your favorite 1980’s video game, the tack makes you wonder if you will be saving the Princess or shooting some Asteroids.
“A Noiseless Flash” seemingly integrates into the powerful blast beat laden, “A Budding Consciousness”. The vocal styling of Thomas add a much needed wittiness to an otherwise dull metal scene. Thomas has an almost Phil Collins flavor to him (please do not ask to taste him). His Collins-esque vocals can be heard predominately on the track, “Nothing Is Epic”. A groovy mix of metal and jazz. Also included on this album is the highly catchy single called “Boxmen”. It makes you want to see the world through that of a box and scream BOXMEN!! BOXMEN!! over and over. By God, you will never get the beat out of your head, and that’s a good thing.
As great as the album is, their live show is something someone must truly witness. I have been fortunate enough to have been able to see them at least once every few months for the last 5 plus years. From their birth during the “Autocratopolis” era to the current “Universe” era, Urizen stage shows continue to progress.
Robots, blob monsters and Urimen. These are but a few things that are a Urizen show. They are something that must be witnessed live to truly get the whole feeling of how great this band is.
I mean there’s a giant f’n robot on stage through half their set. What more do you need?
Go to www.urizenonline.com and pick up your copy of Universe:Red. It's is the perfect gift for weddings, Bat Mitzvahs, shuttle launches, corporate retreats, or even just as an afternoon pick-me-up!
--Cicatriz
buy here: Universe Red
or from the band: www.urizenonline.com