Review: Sound Goat Project- Deep Inside
Sound Goat Project is a progressive metal/rock band from Poland. I don't know if the name is related to the term “greatest of all time” (aka G.O.A.T) but nevertheless, the name does give an image to the eclectic nature of the project's music.
Their newest release, Deep Inside, (or would that be “dEEP iNSIDE” considering how the songs are listed their Bandcamp site), starts out with one of the most unexpected things that one would imagine as far as an album like this. A full “smooth jazz” sax solo starts the proceedings on the song, “hOT pLAY”. I know a lot of readers of this blog may be mixed on horned instruments in Metal, but it definitely works. Don't expect some cheesy 80's Aerosmith song, or some cheesy Kenny G thing, it definitely works. The song then goes to a slightly (just slightly make no mistake) Djent sounding riff pattern with some more smooth fusiony guitar licks. It then goes to a more melodic refrain and almost 70's style Prog patterns. The first thing we then notice is that this project is mostly instrumental, which is actually in a way a relief. Bands like this are extremely difficult to put vocals to, and when they do it's often with mixed results.
The second song, aMulet is a bit softer and more airy, but no less catchy than the prior one.
The third song, ySTRAA vESE features some wordless vocalizations, which definitely DO fit the song at head. A bit heavier than the prior one, and back to the heaviness in many ways, the vocals create a unique feel to the proceedings.
The next song, aLTER eGO is a ballad featuring Piano and RAPPING! Now as someone who doesn't hate all Rap, it's a relief that this part does not detract from the song, and the Rapping is that of the more tasteful and quality kind. Some electronics then freshen up the sound a bit with acoustic guitar,
eLYSIUM is the next song, and the added flute gives it a cool feel. It then becomes a funky proggy metal song with some complex rhythms and even some latin style beats. Some cool John Petrucci style solos then push the song up another level.
We then go to tRANQUILITY, the next track, this one has a full fledged vocal on it. I will admit, the vocals sound like a less overdramatic version of Dream Theater's James Labrie. The closest to traditional Progressive Metal on the album, the song still has hooks galore and resolves itself very well.
The next song is called lOVE, and it's a full prog fest complete with cool keyboard solos and jamming. This epic track is among the best on the album, with many cool parts.
The next song, pERFECTION oF nON eXISTENCE is another funky number with some cool nods again to those of prog metal's past.
To top things off, the funky sounding cOSMOSQUID ends the album on a groovy note complete with a harmonica solo!
I overall recommend Sound Goat Project to those tired of some of the more played out sounds of modern Prog Metal, and want a nod to Prog Metal and Rock bands of yesteryear. . Less Djent and “Core” sounds can be a good thing when done with the infectious calculations of Sound Goat Project.
You can check out Sound Goat Project from the following links:
https://www.youtube.com/soundgoatprojectofficial
https://www.facebook.com/soundgoatproject/
https://www.facebook.com/soundgoatproject/
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