Epsilon 2, the companion disc to Epsilon 1, was released a few weeks back and like the previous Epsilon disc it is outstanding. Jeff Hamel has a knack for the melodic side of progressive rock and when you combine that with excellent vocals and fine stick work from drummer Mike Kosacek, you have a winning combination.
Sprinkled with elements of space rock and progressive metal, along with a hint of melancholy that enhances the moodiness greatly, fans of '70s classic prog should love this. There is more than an occasional nod to Pink Floyd so if you are fan of that band you could do a lot worse than checking this out.
Your interstellar ride begins with the grandiose instrumental "Epsilon IV – Generations". A tranquil beginning of spacey keys and droning synths gradually builds into a stunning sound collage of pure orchestral beauty. The music gets pretty heavy with chugging progressive metal riffs and majestic synth led rhythms before ending with a heavy dose of dreamy keyboard bliss. "Epsilon V – The River" alternates between lighter moments of spaciness, soaring guitar and heavier progressive metal walls of sound. The vocals of Chris Hodges are excellent as always. Electronic keyboard patches begin "Epsilon VI – Incandescence", another mood laden spacey track before heavier symphonic prog takes over. Hodges' vocals reminded me of Steve Walsh at times. The short balladic "Epsilon IX – Welcome Home" features Jessica Rasche's serene vocals amidst soaring guitar work.
Perhaps my favourite tune is "Epsilon X – Convergence" where Hamel's guitar work is absolutely fantastic. If space inflected classic prog with a Floydy edge sounds good than this song will surely satisfy.
1. Epsilon IV – Generations
2. Epsilon V – The River (Eridanus)
3. Epsilon VI – Incandescence
4. Epsilon VII – Ancient Echos
5. Epsilon VIII – The Journey Back
6. Epsilon IX – Welcome Home
7. Epsilon X – Convergence
8. Epsilon XI – Rise
9. Epsilon XII – Fade
Majestic – Epsilon 2 (2014) lossless
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