Grandiose Melodic Prog Metal, now there’s a musical mouthful. Ethernity’s second full-length release finds the band in majestic Sci-Fi thriller soundtrack form. The album slides into hyperspace with the title track ‘Human Race Extinction’. The song provides a solid foundation for what lies ahead as it’s a well-woven cut of sophisticated Rock and the vocals are powerfully silky. Second cut ‘Mechanical Life’ floats between chopping Metal riffs to intricate fretwork with added Speed Metal drums and ankle shaking Bass. It becomes clear that the Prog/Melodic/Metal experience is best served live with elaborate lights, pyro and a futuristic stage show to ram the message home because although the tracks are (in parts) stunning they also lack a little relish. ‘Grey Skies’ soon clears as ‘Beyond Dread’ flickers into life with a SOAD riff and texture that makes the ears prick up and the attention to be refocused. A mix ‘n’ match ‘Redefined’ gallops across the Metal galaxies on a heavily armoured steed as warlords and rebels shuffle to the side. An Operatic opening to ‘Rise Of The Droids’ fails to take advantage of its brave opening by laconically floating into the albums under current and slipstream. Cyber Rock is nudged into view on ‘The Prototype’ while normal Hollywood blockbuster score service is resumed on ‘Not The End’. This an album of complex yet beautifully delivered palatial Prog/Melodic Rock. The care and attention to detail are truly awe-inspiring but yet it lacks a little variety as the intricate introductions all morph into the traditional (and in places tired) formulaic sound, although the whopping Fourteen tracks may also be somewhat responsible for a touch of listening fatigue. A slightly overblown, but genuinely enjoyable release.
ETHERNITY
THE HUMAN RACE EXTINCTION
AFM Records
7/10