Pharm - 2023 - The Tower [mini-review]

(14:03; Pharm)



















Canadian band Pharm are out with the EP "The Tower", and I suspect that progressive metal may be the best manner in which to define the music explored on this production. This is very much a less typical specimen in this universe though, as the songs have a bit of a primal tendency to them as far as the overall sound and intensity are concerned, with tight and intense sections alternating with passages with a slower and more groove-oriented expression that comes with a bit of a stoner rock association. But psychedelic elements are somehow mixed into these forays as well, and a recurring element throughout is that all the instrumentalists have been given a liberal amount of freedom to add quirky and technical challenging details to the landscapes explored, creating the contrasting experience of having landscapes with a primal feel flavored with virtuous and technical instrument showmanship. A production to seek out by those who are generally fascinated by bands taking a different approach to creating what might be described as progressive metal, and intrigued by bands that mix and blend primal features with technical finesse.

Olav "Progmessor" Björnsen, December 2023

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/ProgPharm

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