Mike Botello - 2021 - Indigenous

(63:40; Mijaces Records)

Track list:
1. Chasing the Dragon 5:50
2. I'm Down 4:33
3. Rhythmic Inception 1:43
4. The Nihilist 5:02
5. Euphellum 8:42
6. "Americaust" - A. (The Realization) 3:03
7. "Americaust" - B. (Combing the Land) 1:15
8. "Americaust" C. (Fate) 1:42
9. "Americaust" D. (The Life Ever After) 1:42
10. Heed the Warning 4:12
11. Prosody 1:55
12. Sunday Faces 4:41
13. Secret Identity 4:04
14. In the Midst of Chaos 3:00
15. Serenity 1:24
16. Evanescent 5:15
17. The Remnant 5:37

Line-up:
Mike Botello - vocals, drums, percussion, bass, keyboards, programming, guitars
Tony Smith - guitars
Jason Barrett - guitars
Mike Soliz - backing vocals

Prolusion.
US composer and musician Mike BOTELLO has been active in the music scene for more than 30 years. Mainly as a band member I understand, but from 2006 and onward he has been a recording solo artist as well. "Indigenous" is his third and most recent solo album, and was released through the private label Mijaces Records at the start of 2021.

Analysis.
One of the aspects of Botello's music that I know will be a concern for some is that he belongs to the category of musicians that are open with a Christian worldview, and that this aspect of their life also is a formative aspect of the music they create. And while this isn't an album of the kind that features praises to God and Jesus every other line, there's a concept explored here that most certainly has a distinct religious foundation.

The album is described as being inside the progressive rock or progressive metal spectrum. Personally I'd say that the latter is the most correct one, as the backbone of this album clearly resides in metal rather than rock. Influences from 70's hard rock will be found scattered throughout though, with many riffs and movements containing an ever so slight tip of the hat back to the blues based hard rock bands of yesteryear.

As with most things described as progressive, tempo changes and arrangements that either develop to a new form or are set up against contrasting arrangements is a feature here, with more dramatic and bombastic riff driven features set up against more atmospheric laden and lighter toned ones the main aspect of this on "Indigenous". Some of those atmospheric laden parts are really well done too, even if it is the subtly exotic and jubilant majesty of the concluding cut 'The Remnant' that is my personal pick from this album as far as individual songs are concerned.

As a whole and as a listener experience I do find this album to be a bit rough around the edges though. Or perhaps lacking in finer polish is a better description. This is primarily a case of subjective taste of course, but from my point of view I would have liked the drums to be mixed a bit more down and certain aspects of the guitar sound to be just a bit less loose and gnarly in expression at times. Another matter of subjective taste here are the lead vocals, with a rather emotional mode of delivery, often with a slight bit of a wobble or vibrato present, and with a pitch and tone that is distinct. Some will appreciate the style, pitch and tone, some won't. That will, of course, always be an issue when you have a distinct voice.

Conclusion.
Botello's take on the progressive metal genre is one that I feel is defined by the structure of the compositions as well as the fact that this is a conceptual creation. The arrangements as well as the individual instrument performances and the mix and the production are all a league or two away from the likes of Dream Theater or Fates Warning. Less quirky and technical too, but probably also with a broader possible reach due to that. There are many fine moments on Botello's latest creation however, and for those with a keen interest in conceptual progressive metal albums this album certainly has it's charms. And, obviously, those with a personal Christian belief will probably want to explore this production due to the concept explored here in the first place.

Olav "Progmessor" Björnsen, June 2021

Links:
https://botellomusic.com/