WASTEFALL -

WASTEFALL - SELF EXILE - SENSORY  
Do progressive bands play that style because they have the ability or they can play it because they are into progressive music? Wastefall is unquestionably a progressive metal band not only because the band’s music is complex and meandering, but also because it plays to its own tune. You see, progressive metal has come to connote a certain style of music (most often associated with Dream Theater), but that definition is self-defeating and contradictory. After all, what is progressive about a band that sounds typical and standard for its sub-genre?
Wastefall follows the patterns set by truly progressive bands like The Old Dead Tree, Maudlin Of The Well or Arena. The comparison is not musical, but rather philosophical. Wastefall, like that list, plays a technical blend of styles heavily and defies comparison. While the band can practice its art with surgical precision it can also get quite emotional. From sobbing and wretched to technical and complex Self Exile mixes in metal, rock, pop, jazz and even mallcore. That last term is sadly there and sees the band lose points, but the rest of the material is so monumentous that the Greeks still come out sounding brilliantly. As mentioned, Wastefall mixes the complicated with other adjectives and listening to a song like Another Empty Haven with its brutalizing beginning or E.Y.E. with its short dazzling solo elucidates the matter. Special kudos go to the band’s capable singer and amazing drummer, although there is nary a dull moment on this disc. This is it if you like proficient, confident and independent. - Ali “The Metallian”