The evocatively named WINDS are a Norwegian progressive metal band with visions of the epic, reflected in the album cover art of a flailing shadow figure with tentacle arms. I like to imagine they bring him out on stage like IRON MAIDEN's Eddie. "Universal Creation Array" sounds like a valued item in the computer game Fallout , but is in fact the piano-thundering opener to spiraling new album "Prominence and Demise." Crunchy riffs, martial rhythm and orchestral pomp are present throughout the journey, while classical piano flourishes remain the band's calling card.

One is bound to find this grandiose style either sweeping - in a 'Harlequin for bearded men' sort of way - or pompously over-the-top. While my judgement leans towards the latter, I can appreciate the craft that went into the arrangement. Lyrics like "Realism, existentialism, but above all pragmatism" indicate a propensity towards intellectualism, but also a love of rhyming 'isms unseen since LIVING COLOUR's funk-metal jam "Type." Be warned, however: there is very little funk on this album.

- Shragge

OFFICIAL SITE: www.winds.ws

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