Review: “Circadian” by Intervals

When it comes to Instrumental Progressive Metal, there are a number of artists who are considered pioneers in the genre. One of those is Intervals, founded in Ontario Canada in 2011 by guitarist Aaron Marshall, a musician known for his ability to create infectious melodies and engaging compositions. The latest incarnation of his band sees him joined by Nathan Bulla on Drums and Percussion, who has remained in situ following the success of 2017’s “The Way Forward” while Jacob Umansky handles bass duties, replacing Cameron McLellan. “Circadian” was co-produced by Marshall and Sam Guaiana (Silverstein, Obey The Brave, Like Pacific), the first time the producer has worked on an instrumental record and is coupled with artwork  painted by Colin Frangicetto of Circa Survive

…from the bright opening flourishes of “5-HTP” with its high tempo energy and infectious grooves which make the perfect soundtrack to driving down the strip in the hot summer sunshine with the top down and the shades up, it’s clear that there is no room for vocals here, even if Marshall wanted them. The reason for that is simple. He’s incorporated so many nuanced guitar patterns with a pace, energy and warmth that to include vocals would require slowing and stripping down the guitar work, which would ruin the music. “Vantablack” continues the breakneck speed with an enthusiastic verve and a wonderful mid track bass drive from Umansky which Marshall innovates and builds his guitar intricacies from, each one a refreshing tonic in a similar vein to Navian, the more melodic works of Periphery or Animals As Leaders. “Luna[r]tic” flows like a majestic river from the mountains to the sea, at times meandering before breaking stride with powerful moments of beauty. Joshua De La Victoria provides guest guitars on “Lock & Key“, intertwining with Marshalls work rather than standing out in his own right in a way which helps continue the albums seamless flow, the pair building solos and bouncing off of each others work in the mix. “Signal Hill” benefits from chunkier riff moments while the staccato abrasions of “String Theory” which features Marco Sfogli as a guest guitarist builds in DJent that bolsters that edge and means that the more beautiful lead flourishes shine that much more against the darkness. The third and final guest on “Circadian” is Antonio Hancock aka Saxl Rose and he adds sunshine to the playful “D.O.S.E” by effectively giving it a second lead passage after the first jaw dropping piece of guitar solo. A vibrant and infectious soundscape with a fine attention to detail, the magicians that are Intervals have pulled another rabbit out of the hat with this one [8/10]

Track listing

1. 5-HTP
2. Vantablack
3. Luna[r]tic
4. Lock & Key (ft. Joshua De La Victoria of Victoria)
5. Signal Hill
6. String Theory (ft. Marco Sfogli of James LaBrie, Icefish)
7. D.O.S.E. (ft. Saxl Rose)
8. Earthing

Circadian” by Intervals is out 13th November and available for pre-order over at bandcamp

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