Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Edge of Haze Illumine Company: Independent Release: 2014 Genre: Heavy Reviewer: Greg Watson

Spans many areas of metal

Finnish group Edge of Haze offer up "Illumine", an eclectic, esoteric heavy metal album full of twists and turns. Formerly known as Damage, Edge of Haze are a band that are very hard to define. With influences ranging from doom to progressive to black metal, the band almost runs the gamut of heavy metal on "Illumine". Opener "Drawn" is a very proggy and atmospheric track that immediately captures your attention with its diversity. Well-timed electronic melodies, catchy riffing and jazzy percussion make this track a great introduction to what is to come. As the album goes on, the band ventures into doom with "Rainfall", proggy death with "The Pyre" and everywhere in between. One of the things I love the most is the stark contrast on tracks like "The Pyre" and "Unlearn", its beautiful, clean vocals and the harsh, guttural death growls. I feel this adds an additional depth to the complex song structures and keeps you guessing. I don't know how many people will appreciate this album for what it truly is, an incredible piece of musicianship that spans many areas of metal in a way that makes it feel like a guided tour of genres. There isn't a single flaw that I can find with this album and quite honestly, it's singularly the most interesting album I've heard so far this year. If you are a fan of Porcupine Tree or Green Carnation, this band is right up your alley. It's a haunting album that is so atypical from what we all come to expect.