Hey there! Today, I’m thrilled to dive into one of my favorite bands, Altesia, and their journey in the prog metal scene. Enjoy the read!

Altesia burst onto the prog metal scene in 2019 with their debut album, “Paragon Circus.” This album skillfully combines the epic songwriting of Haken with the dark atmosphere of Opeth, earning them 5th place at the France Metal Awards and garnering positive reviews from many critics. It’s easy to imagine the pressure on a band to follow up a successful debut, and with their second album “Embryo,” Altesia managed to meet expectations with an even more robust and intricate 60-minute production.

“Embryo,” released on October 14, 2021, has been one of my go-to albums since its release. Reflecting on two years ago, “Paragon Circus” was also a staple in my playlist. The music in this album showcases the band’s growth and their willingness to incorporate diverse influences ranging from death metal and jazz to 70s prog rock and symphonic elements. It’s clear that Altesia has the talented musicians needed to blend these styles seamlessly.

Album covers might seem like a minor detail to some, but I believe they significantly impact a band’s reach. First impressions count, and they often come from the band’s name and album art. Altesia’s covers have a budget-friendly look. While “Paragon Circus” had a more appealing and safe design, “Embryo” falls short for me, perhaps due to the color scheme or the layout of the text, which feels a bit careless.

The album opens with “Micromegas.” This track, with its serene wave and bird sounds, evokes a peaceful and sunny morning, becoming more captivating as Clement’s vocals soar. You can easily pick up the Opeth influence in the vocal melodies, especially in the verses.

Next up is “Mouth Of The Sky,” featuring more technical transitions and death metal-esque drumming. The harmonic vocals leading into the second chorus add a beautiful touch to the song’s spirit, and Clement’s more confident vocal delivery stands out compared to the first album. Following Alexis’s assertive guitar solo, the song gracefully winds down, showcasing the band’s unique approach to progressive rock/metal and their commitment to creating unpredictable music passages with various instruments.

“The Remedial Sentence” takes things in a different direction. This song’s structure creates a whirlwind of emotions, starting joyfully and constantly shifting its mood, primarily led by the guitar. The initial vocals give off a strong Leprous and Soen vibe. The smooth transitions between metal and jazz sections make the song easy to listen to despite its complexity. Its theatrical atmosphere, highlighted by the swing sections and varied vocal techniques, reminds me of Native Construct’s “Come Hell or High Water.”

“Autumn Colossus,” the shortest track on the album, serves as a melancholic interlude. It’s minimalistic but perfectly placed within the album’s flow.

“Sleep Paralysis” is another standout track. It grows into a melodic and epic piece, despite my initial reservations about Clement’s nasal vocal delivery at the start (also prevalent in “The Remedial Sentence”). The dynamic shifts and operatic vocals maintain the theatrical vibe, while sudden blast beats and waltz rhythms are classic Altesia moves. This 9-minute track showcases the strengths of all the instruments, making it a highlight. Clement’s falsetto transitions hint at a Matt Bellamy influence, though such Muse-like touches are subtle compared to what we see in Dream Theater’s “Never Enough.”

“A Liar’s Oath” epitomizes modern prog rock/metal and is a perfect pick for fans of Leprous, Haken, and Caligula’s Horse. The djent elements bring a contemporary edge, with stellar keyboard melodies and outstanding guitar solos reminiscent of Plini and Paul Masvidal. It’s a track you’ll want to replay repeatedly.

Now, onto the pinnacle: “Exit Initia.” This 21-minute masterpiece ties back to their debut album, “Paragon Circus,” expanding on the beloved track “Reminiscence.” I was deeply moved when I recognized the melody, a testament to how deeply you can connect with a band’s music. This track captures everything from 70s prog rock to modern prog metal, making it a fitting conclusion to the album. The inclusion of saxophone, a standout feature from their debut, was a delightful touch.

Altesia continues to evolve their sound, creating music that transcends strict genre classifications. My only critique is that their influences are sometimes too apparent, overshadowing their unique identity. However, I’m hopeful that their next album will see them fully embracing and showcasing their distinct sound. For now, I highly recommend “Sleep Paralysis,” “A Liar’s Oath,” and “Exit Initia.” Happy listening!

Asuna Pehlivan