Zephyr – An Odyssey For The Living

I can’t say I’d heard of Zephyr before this review, but I’m glad I have now. Opening track Familiar Spirit instantly made me think of a hybrid mix of Napoleon, Architects, and While She Sleeps. Beautiful lead guitar work and sweeping synth sections set you on a journey that this EP seems to be.

I can’t say I’d heard of Zephyr before this review, but I’m glad I have now. Opening track Familiar Spirit instantly made me think of a hybrid mix of Napoleon, Architects, and While She Sleeps. Beautiful lead guitar work and sweeping synth sections set you on a journey that this EP seems to be.

I couldn’t help but think the vocalist sounded a lot like Josh Baker (former Napoleon vocalist) but halfway through second track Little Lamplight it’s apparent that Cameron Thomson has a style that’s all his own, and boy does he use it well. My only qualm 2 tracks in is the fact that they both sounded fairly similar, but that all changed as soon as Cloud Spires kicks in. This for me is the stand out track on the EP. Chugging, Djent style riffs entwined with beautiful synth keyboards build this song up and up towards an almost anthemic chorus. If this EP propels these boys into a more wider audience, this track will be the reason why!

Fourth track Gemini opens with a pummelling yet somewhat simple double bass beat, with a bizarre sort of vocal chant behind it, kind of reminiscent of Colors era (think Informal Gluttony) Between The Buried And Me. By the time this track was halfway through, it dawned on me that in order for Zephyr to really break out, they may need to expand on their synth tracks, as they are extremely similar throughout. Despite that, Gemini has an absolutely beautiful guitar interlude, it’s an atmospheric 30 seconds that made feel as if I was in space, it’s a genuinely understated yet powerful section. Guest vocals by Julian Rodriguez of Elitist really bring a nice feel to the track also.

Final track Black Luster to me is the heaviest and more technical song on the EP. A like clockwork guitar and drum intro with Thomson’s recognizable vocal style kicks it off, with lead guitar work really bringing the song to life. I’m happy to say that on this track the synth style had been changed up quite a lot, with what I can only describe as a chimey kind of sound throughout some sections. More lead guitar work over a powerful riff sends this song into the stratosphere before gradually bringing the mood down for a slow, atmospheric lead guitar fade out intro.

As I said before, I’d never heard of Zephyr before reviewing this EP, but I certainly am glad I have done now. The synth sections could do with a slight touch of imagination in certain places, but other than that, it’s a top notch listen and I’ll be sure to follow this Progressive Metalcore outfit a lot more attentively.

Adam Elston

September 29, 2015

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