Events
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
I’m still not completely sure how to classify this band. Others are referring to it as progressive rock but I think to me it’s just really good modern hard rock. They do take advantage of odd time signatures and some other unorthodox elements - and they sound Tool-esque at times - which I suppose are some of the reasons people are compelled to use the label “progressive”, but I for one think this word is used too liberally (an offense which I too am probably guilty of). None of this is especially important though; I don’t want to put too much emphasis on which pigeon hole to try to stick this group into. You only need to know that they play some really cool music.
The first thing I noticed about Prisma is that their singer is clearly a fan of Maynard Keenan… well I’m assuming this because their styles are strikingly similar. I actually discovered this band because I found out the singer is one of the guest vocalists on Indukti’s upcoming and highly anticipated (at least by us here at Obnoxious Listeners) sophomore release. And Indukti isn’t a band to collaborate with just anybody.
I really like the roll of the bassist in this group. Often he plays the main part behind the vocal melody, and the guitar either lays out completely or just plays something simple and delicate on top of it. You’ll catch a glimpse of this at the end of the second audio clip I chose. I think this simplistic view can often be just as interesting as the opposing school of thought which Dan has raved about a few different times - that being the use of multiple layers to fill the entire frequency spectrum.
My college jazz band conductor use to always say that the drummer is the one who “drives the bus” - an excellent metaphor in my opinion. Fortunately for Prisma, their bus is never out of control. The drummer is as solid as a rock, and is interesting without being flashy or intrusive.
Prisma’s only full-length release so far is Collusion (2006), and it’s definitely a winner. I recommend it for those seeking the cutting edge of hard rock/alternative metal with clean vocals and some progressive elements.
Add New Comment
Viewing 6 Comments
Thanks. Your comment is awaiting approval by a moderator.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Add New Comment