“Effigy” – Arbor Atlantic
Artist: Arbor Atlantic Album: Effigy Genre: Prog, Metal, Hardcore Release Date: January 16, 2023
Arbor Atlantic is a collaboration between Will Johns and Joe Wilde, most easily described as a prog project, but with bounds more undefined than just “prog.”
The band delves into new territory with every song, painting a broad landscape of thoughts and ideas with their newest album “Effigy,” with standout tracks in “Merchant,” “Scenes From a Harvest,” and “The Cog and the Fiddle.” The latter, “The Cog and the Fiddle,” stands with roots firmly planted in the hardcore prog genre, and delivers a sonic odyssey that would befit an epic. Arbor Atlantic’s signature sound blends intricate guitar work, powerful vocals, and thought-provoking lyrical content.
“The Cog and the Fiddle” opens with a clean, atmospheric guitar and a mesmerizing vocal motif that immediately draws listeners into the band’s soundscape. It grows denser as the song progresses and layers of instrumentation are added, creating a rich sonic tapestry that sets the stage for the narrative to unfold. Throughout the track, Arbor Atlantic seamlessly weaves heavy breakdowns with moments of melodic respite, showcasing their ability to balance aggression with emotion. The influence of Metallica is palpable, adding a nostalgic yet fresh dimension to the sound.
The standout feature of “The Cog and the Fiddle” is the vocal performance, with the lead singer’s impressive range and emotive delivery taking center stage. As the song builds to its climax, the vocalist unleashes a torrent of emotion, hitting crushing high notes that leave a lasting impression on the listener.
While the song may benefit from some refinement in the mixing department, particularly during the denser sections, the sheer energy and passion evident in Arbor Atlantic’s performance more than make up for any minor flaws, and the result of the occasionally sloppy mixing—a wreathing mass of distorted guitars that make up the bed of the sound—turns out to be an interesting stylistic choice towards the end of the track as the vocalist’s lines soar over the top. Given the album art, theme, and overall energy of the band, this reviewer can’t help but imagine the atmosphere of “Elden Ring.”
Arbor Atlantic’s “The Cog and the Fiddle” is a must-listen for fans of progressive metal, offering a captivating blend of intricate instrumentation, powerful vocals, and thought-provoking lyrical content. As a single off their album “Effigy,” it serves as a tantalizing taste of what the band has to offer.
