I think that today, the best music, good music and the music that makes sense is made in the field of extreme metal and progressive metal genres. At least, this is the kind of music that makes sense to me: deep, rich, worthy to think upon, satisfying. I believe that one of the most interesting works in the metal genre came from Teramaze this year.

Last year, when I was positive all the interesting albums in metal were released and that there was not much left to see, came the “Moonflowers” from the Finnish death-doom masters Swallow The Sun. Exceptional work comes as usual from niche bands who make nothing mainstream and still are fantastic as expected. As the end of 2022 draws near, I found myself completely stunned by the “Flight of the Wounded” by Teramaze. Making  good music since 1993, the Australian melodic prog metal band keeps moving forward and they released their best sounding album so far this year in 2022.

Built on the legacy of rock pioneers such as Survivor, Journey (and I would go as far as to say Air Supply), I must say that Teramaze’s unique sound is more interesting and impressive than those bands with its contemporary and heavy touch. Teramaze’s music is reminiscent of many: from Dream Theater to Tool and to Anubis Gate. With hints of old-school rock pioneers such as Journey and Survivor, from Starship and to Europe, Teramaze put forward a new and contemporary sound: very melodic, harmonic and symphonic in nature, with flawless vocals and lots of syntwork bearing 80’s hints, Teramaze is a hidden gem in the world of prog metal.

Amazing atmospheric touch with the background synthwork, riffs with hints of pop rock and art rock, I found many resemblances to the Rasmus, but heavier. Those who have read my previous reviews here at metaloda.com, would perfectly understand why the Teramaze sound pleases me that much: poppy but heavy and with references to the 80’s which shaped my music taste in my teenage years. It is no coincidence that this year in Metal Oda ‘s top albums of the year, there are many echoing with 80’s music such as the “Ghostlight” from Poets of The Fall and the “Lightwork” by the wonderful Devin Townsend.

Though the lyrics from the album are not as deep as from the death-doom genre, the title “Ticket to the Next Apocalypse” speaks for itself, this track being my fave from the album. Standing closer to the awesome Transatlantic project rather than the Rasmus musicwise, I think  that “Ticket to the Next Apocalypse” is heavy enough to please prog-death and death-doom lovers like myself:  Teramaze did a fantastic job building a very impressive and intriguing progressive structure woven with interesting ryhtms, textures and strong guitar riffs on 80’s pop-disco sound, which was no doubt much more simple.

I must say I fell in love with this album as soon as I heard the first track. If you want to listen to this album with me, check Clubhouse Metal Oda replays! Little remark though: I wish all songs were at the caliber of “Ticket to the Next Apocalypse” which is the heaviest track from the album.

Congrats Teramaze, looking forward to hear more of your amazing music.

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