The instrumental metal band Canvas Solaris has expanded. Gone is guitarist/bassist Ben Simpkins, replaced by Chris Rushing (guitars), Donnie Smith (analog synth) and Gael Pirlot (bass). The former trio is now a quintet.
The Atomized Dream is the fourth album from Canvas Solaris, and the new members do change the band's sound somewhat. They still combine highly technical and intense metal with progressive and spacey interludes. There are more keyboard sounds on this CD, but it adds texture and depth and a different twist to the songs.
Having no vocalist puts added scrutiny on the song construction and musicianship, and as always Canvas Solaris has no trouble pulling it off. Being both progressive and instrumental could lead to unlistenable, self-indulgent wankery, but The Atomized Dream manages to fully engage the listener without falling prey to those pitfalls.
(released June 10, 2008 on Sensory)
