Band:	Everything In Slow Motion
Album:	Phoenix
Style:	Progressive rock
Release date:	December 10, 2013
Guest review by:	tea[m]ster

01. Get Out
02. Speak (Feat. Christian Lindskog of Blindside)
03. Poison
04. Most Days
05. You Are
06. Numbers
07. The Fool
08. Come Down
09. Remember No More
10. Proxima (Feat. Holly Ann)

2013 was a gigantic year for post/sludge/atmospheric metal. A lot of my favorite bands released new material and most of it didn't disappoint. Just when I thought it was time to move on to 2014, an album has surprised me with so much vigor it puts one final emphatic stamp on 2013, labeling it my best year for metal ever.

Everything In Slow Motion is the next project started by Shane Ochsner, the former lead singer of the defunct Christian post-rock/hardcore band Hands. Give Me Rest, the final release from Hands, is a spectacular vision exploring Shane's unbalanced belief in faith. Phoenix is a continuation of Shane's examination of faith but this record feels more personal and nebulous. I could tell instantly from one thorough play through how strong a message this album conveys. Don't be fooled, this is metal music, and no matter your favorite genre each person can take away something that suits them.

Phoenix is a concept album telling the story of a drug addict going through numerous trials and tribulations while trying to cleanse himself: facing turmoil from relapse and self-indulgences and how he struggles to come to grips with his disease by eventually being reborn through family and God. It's a tedious journey and the songs are like chapters from a novel wonderfully illustrated by Shane's gifted songwriting abilities. Clear acute singing - very soothing to the ears - is nicely in tune with unwavering screams. The sheer power in his gang-style vocal shouts feels like they are intended specifically for YOU. Never before have I heard such authoritative cries for help. Instrumentally, the songs are pretty straightforward, yet hard to classify genre-wise. In general you can hear hard rock and alternative metal compositions, but if you dig deeper there is an inherent quality nested in post-rock/hardcore improvisations and structures. Ambient and atmospheric progressions punctuate each song while beautiful hooks, overtones, and sequences gel them superbly together. Also, the production is terrific. Lucid layered guitars and deep, intense bass and drumming work wonders with the impressive vocals and selective electronics. The songs are relatively short for music associated with the "post-" genre but never feel rushed. Just to make sure the songs collectively are diverse enough, two of the better tracks have guest musicians: "Speak", with vocals from Christian Lindskog of Blindside, and "Proxima", with a beautiful hymn and chorus provided by the gospel voice of Holly Ann. If you want to play the "who do they remind you of?" game, I keep thinking of Anathema because of how fervent and temperamental the music is.

The lyrical power and sheer validity of the music will instill hope and ambition. Like the album title and cover art suggest, every person can have a rebirth and rise up from their sins and demises. It's up to the individual to surmise what lasting effect Phoenix will have on them but I hope it will leave a lasting impression. We all love good songs, and the catchy melodies and ethereal moments provided by Everything In Slow Motion will have a lot to do with what kind of payoff this album has for you. It's regretful it was released during the remnants of 2013 because I feel it has largely gone unnoticed and overlooked and may get passed by.

I'm glad I stopped to look around.