Review: “The All Seeing Eye: Part 1” by Age Of Emergence

It may not be intentional but the simple fact of the matter is that Newcastle Australian Progressive Metal outfit Age Of Emergence change their drummer with every EP they release. 2017’s “Plea for a Dying World” saw Allan Hofer grace the stool before 2020’s “The War Within Ourselves“ saw Benn Baxter become their resident skin basher. Fast forward to 2024 and “The All Seeing Eye: Part 1” and Adam Clayton is the man to hit cymbals faster than a speeding bullet. Fortunately while some things change, some things remain the same and the group has been rounded out by ex-Shambhala bassist and vocalist Dean Holmes alongside Order of the Dragon guitarist Matt Neilson since 2014. This time out the band promise groove and melody alongside a powerful lyrical narrative as they explore the impact of the corporate destruction of the environment, the unravelling of society’s fabric and the on going identity crisis due to less human contact with each other…

An infusion of Progressive Metal and Traditional Heavy Metal is what Age Of Emergence have formulated, their influences in Iron Maiden and Soundgarden heir apparent from the very start of opening cut “The All Seeing Eye“. A glorious tune of soaring guitars, groove laden bass and powerful drumming, it has a big heart and offers something soul stirring that reaches parts others do not, despite approaching seven minutes in duration. There are subtle, intricate moments woven into the fabric which rise to the surface with each repeated listen and the end result is something that has plenty of charm, being heavy enough to have a bit of bite without over or under cooking it. Taking a leaf out of Alice In Chains book “Futility” goes darker and heavier with a burst of technical riffing during the introduction and a blood curdling scream in the final third, both of which are completely unexpected and tastefully executed. Shorter and more refined than the opening cut, this one has more edge which makes it stand out from the pack before “Gods Can’t Allow” repeats the trick with earworm riffs flying in all direction. Age Of Emergence have taken an older sound and intensified its flavours with slick production and a solid guitar tone to make it for the here and now while maintaining the essence of what made it so good in the first place. Then they throw in a couple of curve balls, the meaty solo on this one being a fine example. That serves to give the band an instant appeal because the sound is familiar but because they’re doing their own thing within the confines they keep you coming back for more. A longer cut with a certain theatrical quality to it and hints of Pink Floyd influences, “Mind Game” plays with texture while taking on the subject of Gaslighting with verve, swagger and confidence. The guitar sound has been bolstered by using layers to incorporate a second six string for rhythm, something which works incredibly well, the only question being how they carry that off live… [7/10]

Track Listing

1. The All Seeing Eye
2. Futility
3. Gods Can’t Allow
4. Mind Game

“The All Seeing Eye : Part 1” by Age Of Emergence was released on 12th April 2024 and is available over at bandcamp