JUPITER SOCIETY
When I first listened to this, I really didn't know what to expect. Even though 'From Endangered To Extinct' is their third album I had never heard of Jupiter Society before. On reading the blurb and seeing who was involved in this project, though, I was more than impressed. 'Chairman of the board' is keyboard player and pianist Carl Westholm (Carptree, Krux, & ex-Candlemass) who composes and arranges all of Jupiter Society's music (as well as being the main producer and mixer) and 'From Endangered To Extinct' is one of the most intriguing, dark, foreboding, haunting and epic slabs of progressive metal that I have heard in years. This is an apocalyptic concept album of the last few hours of humanity and, apparently, a standalone and slightly darker and harder story from their previous two albums (both of which I will be getting hold of very quickly). Considering the list of musicians on this release, the cohesiveness is extraordinary. This sounds like a proper band and I haven't been able to wrench it from my player.
Now, I'm sorry for listing everyone but it really has to be done. Joining Mr Westholm are firstly 'Members of the board' vocalist and guitarist Öivin Tronstad (Carptree), vocalist Cia Backman (Carptree), vocalist Mats Levén (Candlemass, Adagio, At Vance, Therion, Yngwie Malmsteen, Krux, Fatal Force), guitarist Ulf Edelönn (Carptree), drummer Dirk Verbeuren (Soilwork, Devin Townsend Project, Aborted), bassist Sebastian Blyberg and guitarist Marcus Jidell (Evergrey, Royal Hunt, Krux). Also along for the ride are 'Deputy members' guitarist Fredrik Åkesson (Opeth, Krux, Arch Enemy), bassist Stefan Fanden (Krux), guitarist and co-mixer Björn Eriksson, guitarist Peter Söderström, bassist and vocalist Leif Edling (Candlemass, Krux) and artist Pål Olofsson. Now, you have to admit, that is a pretty impressive list and if any of the above named bands tickle your fancy then Jupiter Society are a must listen. This is not an album to be taken lightly and it really has to be digested as one piece of music rather than six separate songs, but even on the first listen I was picking out beautiful melodies, great vocals and a couple of masterful guitar solos. Subsequent spins have picked out a lot more and I suspect I'll still be learning from it in the coming weeks such is its depth. Amongst the many excellent progressive metal bands out there, just occasionally, something that little bit different comes along and 'From Endangered To Extinct' has been an absolute joy to review.
Now, I'm sorry for listing everyone but it really has to be done. Joining Mr Westholm are firstly 'Members of the board' vocalist and guitarist Öivin Tronstad (Carptree), vocalist Cia Backman (Carptree), vocalist Mats Levén (Candlemass, Adagio, At Vance, Therion, Yngwie Malmsteen, Krux, Fatal Force), guitarist Ulf Edelönn (Carptree), drummer Dirk Verbeuren (Soilwork, Devin Townsend Project, Aborted), bassist Sebastian Blyberg and guitarist Marcus Jidell (Evergrey, Royal Hunt, Krux). Also along for the ride are 'Deputy members' guitarist Fredrik Åkesson (Opeth, Krux, Arch Enemy), bassist Stefan Fanden (Krux), guitarist and co-mixer Björn Eriksson, guitarist Peter Söderström, bassist and vocalist Leif Edling (Candlemass, Krux) and artist Pål Olofsson. Now, you have to admit, that is a pretty impressive list and if any of the above named bands tickle your fancy then Jupiter Society are a must listen. This is not an album to be taken lightly and it really has to be digested as one piece of music rather than six separate songs, but even on the first listen I was picking out beautiful melodies, great vocals and a couple of masterful guitar solos. Subsequent spins have picked out a lot more and I suspect I'll still be learning from it in the coming weeks such is its depth. Amongst the many excellent progressive metal bands out there, just occasionally, something that little bit different comes along and 'From Endangered To Extinct' has been an absolute joy to review.
LABEL:
FORMAT:
Fosfor Creation
Album
FROM ENDANGERED TO EXTINCT
Review by Rick Tilley
RUNNING TIME:
55:14
RELEASE DATE:
24th May 2013
TRACK LISTING
1) Enemy March
2) Invasion
3) Queen of Armageddon
4) No Survivors
5) Fight Back
6) Defeat
2) Invasion
3) Queen of Armageddon
4) No Survivors
5) Fight Back
6) Defeat
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
Sweden
"...intriguing, dark, foreboding, haunting and epic..."
