Ara Pacis

                                                                                                       Title: Suburban Mist

                                                                                                       Label: Independent

                                                                                                       Release Date:01/11/22

“Suburban Mist” is Canadian progressive rockers Ara Pacis' ninth Album. Mixing in progressive metal, hard rock, metalcore, and even some country this seven-track platter surprises and is a smorgasbord of different themes and moments to enthuse and please the listener.

Opening with “Urban Mist “its hypnotic start turns into deathly growls from Chelle Macpherson which combine and change its tone where she shows her exceptional voice with clear singing it’s a schizophrenic opener that surprises and enthralls you.

The title track is up next with the bonus of keyboards from ex Dream Theatres keyboardist Derek Sherinia, this song has an ethereal feeling to it and works its way into your conscience with the opener this song is one I have kept returning to before progressing further with this work of art.

 

Ok we have a lot of mists so far you may have noticed? anyway, I digress; “Rural Mist” kicks up a storm of moonshine and good ol days down by the bayou as this country-themed tune rocks your socks off you can tell they had a lot of fun with this song, and it throws in some killer moves and grooves that work and thump you as the song progresses, love it!

We get a musical jam of metal delights as “In Hell, I`m Home” rocks up this is progressive and works itself into a pure-cut diamond of rocking precision. A gentle and mellow feel washes over you as “Cage of Fog” works itself into your conscience then turns into something else as this song progresses, its haunting melodies swiftly turn into brutality, I love the way the guys change their tones with mesmeric effects and the singer’s versatility shines through.

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“Unjustified” see some more meaty riffs from Jerry Fielden combined with the magical keyboards this has a middle eastern vibe and is a magical carpet journey of highs and intensity. The final track “Music, you and wine” is the perfect combination as the dark nights draw in this rocking morsel delivers on all fronts and brings this opus to a close.

Of course, this album will be snapped up by their loyal fans, it’s a quality release, and if you love progressive metal with a tinge of metalcore and more now’s the time to grab a hold of Ara Paci's latest album and delve into their back catalog as well you won’t be disappointed!

 

Review: Seb Di Gatto   Score:9/10

Reviewed: 29/10/22

 

Track listing:

1. Urban Mist

2. Suburban Mist ft. Derek Sherinian

3. Rural Mist

4. In Hell, I'm Home

5. Cage of Fog

6. Unjustified

7. Music, You and Wine

 

Michelle Macpherson, vocals

David Stone, keyboards except for "Suburban Mist"

Jerry Fielden, guitars; mandolin on "Urban Mist," "Rural Mist" and "Music, You and Wine"

Jean Audet, bass

Scott Haskin, drums except for "Music, You and Wine"

Gwendolyne Krasnicki, violin on "Unjustified" and "Music, You and Wine"

Derek Sherinian, keyboards on "Suburban Mist"

Mathieu Roy, drums on "Music, You and Wine"

Gillan Macpherson-Briggs, back vocals on "In Hell, I'm Home"