Member:
singring
(Profile)
(All Album Reviews by singring)
Date:
12/2/2008
Format:
CD (Album)
Killbot Zero is a two man project based in Ohio with Bruce Vermett on drums and Chris Cavera on guitars. Formerly known as Progzilla, the two stuck with it after the three other members that made up Progzilla quit the band. According to the band's press release they filled the void left by these departures with MIDI software and an MP3 player. This may sound like a big 'U-Oh' at first but then turns into an 'Oh WOW!!!' after mere seconds once you spin the bands debut disc Microtopia.
I'm certainly no fan of programming and sequencing, but somehow Chris and Bruce have managed to program some of the most 'natural' and 'organic' sounding MIDI I have ever heard. It really does sound like a full five piece band. Especially the keyboard parts are phenomenal and fit in perfectly with the overall sound. All in all, this must be one of the best-produced unsigned bands I have ever heard. Hats off.
Killbot Zero play a very interesting all-instrumental mix of angular, blasting guitar-driven prog metal in the vein of Dream Theater and 'classic' symphonic prog elements akin to the more inspired moments of Spock's Beard or the Flower Kings. The resulting mishmash is utterly convincing and a thorough delight. Factor in the excellent production and you are left with one of the best prog metal releases of the past five years.
Oh - I know what you're thinking. You're thinking that two guys sitting in a basement with an iPod as a band member can hardly be that good. But they are. If Killbot Zero manage to find a good vocalist and sign with a label, they will crash into the prog metal scene like a solid gold meteorite. No hyperbole. They're that good.
Chris Cavera is a gifted guitarist who uses his shredding capabilities to tasteful effect and Bruce Vermett draws the maximum potential from his kit and does a great job of following in the footsteps of Mike Portnoy. The arrangements are sprinkled with enough rhythmic breaks and dynamic changes to captivate for the entire length of the album and there are a handful of short atmospheric and in places even whimsical keyboard segues inserted in between the lengthier band tracks that change up the tempo and mood nicely.
Overall, a supreme effort in basement-crafted prog metal from a couple of very talented musicians worth investing in for the future. If you like prog metal, this is a must. I hope Killbot Zero gets the opportunity to go on to greater things.
Finally, Killbot Zero deserve big bonus points for creative song titles. “El Bayalpnu” indeed.
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