Horizon’s End, the Greek progressive metal band, has returned with their highly anticipated fourth studio album, “The Great Destroyer”, four years after their comeback album “Skeleton Keys”. Picking up where they left off with the previous release, these progsters aren’t afraid to attempt new things and push the boundaries of their music even further if needed.
On the new album, they blend prog metal, classical music, symphonic prog, modern classical, and atmospheric elements. Some synth parts reminded me of the late (and one and only) Vangelis (for instance, listen to the astonishing “The Parade”). The production is crisp and dynamic, and their sound is contemporary without being retro or anything. The album was produced and mixed by Kostas Scandalis and Sakis Bandis, and mastered by Kostas Scandalis at Infinity Studios (Thessaloniki, Greece). The band still contains certain references from the late 90s & early 00s that make them sound more interesting in general. Sakis Bandis, the band’s mastermind and keyboardist, composed the album, which features some excellent performances by vocalist Vasilios Topalides, guitarist Kosta Vreto, drummer Stergios Kourou, and bassist Kostas Scandalis. Moreover, Theoharis (Hail Spirit Noir) contributes additional vocals on “Voices from the Sea”.
What truly sets this album apart is the musicianship and songwriting. The wonderful melodies, the excellent guitar solos, the captivating symphonic arrangements, the mesmerizing compositions, and the thought-provoking lyrics will leave you amazed. “The Great Destroyer” is an album that demands multiple listens to fully unravel its musical depth and appreciate its intricacies. If this album had been released by a big music label and properly promoted, it would have made a significant impact on the prog metal scene. However, only prog freaks and those hunting for non-major releases will be aware of it. I think it’s truly a shame that in our time, music has mainly become a “fast-food” product.
In conclusion, “The Great Destroyer” is a remarkable achievement for Horizon’s End. The band’s musical progression, combined with their ability to blend various influences, results in a cohesive and captivating album.
