The Higher Key Album Review

Arc Of Ascent’s latest release The Higher Key is an excellent follow-up to their debut album Circle of the Sun (Astral Projection) that received favourable reviews. Hailing from Hamilton, the trio punches well above their weight and epitomizes the wall of sound technique with one of the most commanding and transcending metal albums so far this year.

Founded in 2008 by multi-instrumentalist Craig Williamson (Lamp of the Universe, Datura), Arc Of Ascent explores our metal forefathers musical universe, incorporating just enough modern psychodelic acid doom and 90’s stoner rock to make their music highly original.

Track one Celestial Altar is a heavy and slow Kyuss inspired number with fluid key changes that lay the conceptual groundwork for the rest of the album. Land of Tides has a similar lo-fi quality that is reminiscent of early Sabbath. The stand out track Search for Liberation starts with a contemplative and potent intro that builds into pure unadulterated energy. Its palpable doom is truly awe-inspiring. Redemption then explores Mixolydian melodies that keep the listener engaged with clever phrasing that’s only surpassed by the emotional depth of Craig Williamson’s vocals. Like Redemption, Sandy Schaare’s guitar solo in Elemental Kingdom is particularly effective and gives another dimension to the songs. With solid percussive flares by John Strange, The Rays Of Infinity powerfully closes out a most enjoyable and epic release.

The nicely laid out design and subtle mixing effects makes this release sound live and professional in every sense of the word. The Higher Key is a must have for your collection. Check it out today.