Arcadea
Arcadea

That’s what we should call modern Space-Metal! The Atlanta-based super-trio ARCADEA features a drummer-vocalist Brann Dailor of MASTODON, guitarist-keyboardist-vocalist Core Atoms of ZRUDA, and guitarist-keyboardist-vocalist Raheem Amlani of WITHERED / SCARAB who combined their talents and skills to create a progressively complex, dramatically rich, conceptual sci-fi saga of new post-humanoid races and civilizations, intergalactic alliances and wars. No computers and no guitars(!) were used – ARCADEA are here to deliver a sound combination only of organic drums, analogue synth-keys, and harmonized vocals. Throughout 11 songs clocking in at slightly over 39 minutes, the trio’s space-metallic madness sounds exquisitely surrealistic and alien yet somehow familiar. And that’s not only because of the signature drumming style or recognizable vocal harmonies. The fact is that in the mid 90’s in Rochester, NY Core Atoms and Brann Dailor co-founded the avant-metal trio GAYLORD and recorded together an amazing album, “Sparkling Cool”. However, Dailor relocated then to Atlanta and GAYLORD had to continue without him. So, to some extent ARCADEA is a result of long-time friendship and artistic partnership. Whatever the story is, ARCADEA’s debut album is a really refreshing and inspiring, synth-driven experience beyond stereotypes of modern Space-Metal and Prog-Metal. Despite the hyper extensive use of synthesizers and intentional waiver of guitars, the music sounds surprisingly natural and vibrant captivating and leading a listener to another multicolored and mysterious universe. And this trip is just awesome! It’s highly recommended for lovers of adventurous and imaginative Space, Progressive, and Experimental metal-music outside the limits.