Above Symmetry (former Aspera) – Ripples (2010) – Review by Logan Lee

Sunday, 04 September 2011

Above Symmetry – Ripples (2010) – Review by Logan Lee

This is not a new release or a copy from Aspera’s Ripples album. Due to a legal action moved against them by another band called Aspera these guys from Norway had to change name and since I never got the chance to write about Aspera I will do it now about Above Symmetry.

Ripples is a very powerful album with great musicians and the tracks are very well composed. These young fellows not only managed to print and distribute an album (which is not easy in this period) but achieved to insert new ideas on the prog metal scene. The singer Atle Petersen has a pleasant voice which fits perfectly their style.

The new version of Ripples, under the new name Above Symmetry, has three exclusive tracks (2 edited tracks and a brand new one called Trails of Clarity which by the way is among my favorites) and a new cover, as shown below, but the rest still the same.

(old cover)

(new cover).

Ripples is a very complex album in what concerns lyrics and sound complexity, but on the other side is a very easy to hear CD; you can listen to it while in the car or when relaxing like I did whilst I was on vacation in Turkey and I guarantee you will enjoy it.

A special mark goes to tracks 2, 5 and 8 (Ripples, Between black and white, Traces inside respectively) in which you may find a concentration of their skills. That does not mean you should not hear it entirely since all tracks present some good influences from other great bands and some of their own. Ohh, and before I forget: The first release enclosure “Purpose” is a very passionate song mixing perfectly melody and instrumental arrangements that make this album seems as it if was not their first one

We also have to recognize some merits to InsideOut records who did not let these guys down and re-published their album giving them (and for all fans who missed the first release) a second chance and my personal opinion is that this was a wise decision.

My overall vote is 8,5 (0,5 is for their courage to continue after the legal battle) and I really wish to hear again from this young band from Norway.

Tracklist:

1. Intro (1:30)

2. Ripples (6:33)

3. Do I Dare? (5:31)

4. Remorse (6:21)

5. Between Black & White (8:12)

6. Catatonic Coma (5:44)

7. Torn Apart (4:58)

8. Traces Inside (7:51)

9. Reflections (2:03)

10. The Purpose (5:58)

11. Trails Of Clarity (5:42) *

12. Traces Inside [Edit] (4:13) *

13. Ripples [Edit] (4:48) *