“Down The Mountainside” is the debut album from QUANTUM, a progressive rock band formed by Bass player and singer Anton Ericsson, drummer Olof Simander and Guitarist Fredrik Reinholdsen back in 2016 and has since been playing in various line-ups live around Stockholm and Uppsala – with Anton being the constant member and songwriter.
Their music is characterized by a sound that blends music from genres across the spectrum – Prog rock, metal, hard rock, art rock and more but always remains coherent and very captivating. The eight very elaborate and intense compositions spanning 45 minutes of music, shimmers in acoustic soundscapes one minute to explode into spastic grooves in the next.
While very progressive, “Down The Mountainside” is quite accessible. As usual with Swedish bands, technically all is really impressive, from musicianship to pristine, detailed production. The influences vary, from Rush in some songwriting approach to Dream Theater in the perfect performances.
The album features mesmerizing guitar solos from the brilliant Richard Henshall and Tom MacLean, both esteemed members of the band Haken. Their contributions add an extra layer of brilliance to an already stellar musical offering.
Quantum’s ability to blend elements from various genres makes them unique. You have a song like ‘Down The Mountainside, Pt. 1’ where Dream Theater busy-type of instrumentation emerge, but then ‘Abstract Bliss’ surprises with some kind of a mix between Kevin Gilbert and Jono. It’s very different from your usual prog rock, and that’s the good thing.
“Down the Mountainside” is a timeless progressive rock album that feels both fresh and innovative. The album is poised to resonate with seasoned prog enthusiasts as well as captivate the ears of listeners from the more modern school of elaborated rock music.
Highly Recommended
Tracklist:
01. The Hivemind & The Cockroach
02. On the Verge
03. Down the Mountainside Pt.1
04. Moths & Leaves
05. Abstract Bliss
06. Dots
07. Down the Mountainside Pt.2
08. The Last Stone
Line Up:
- Anton Ericsson / bass, vocals, guitars, keyboards, double bass, FX
- Marcus Lundberg / drums, vocals, FX
- Samuel Walfridsson / guitars
- Fredrik Reinholdsen / guitars
With:
- Richard Henshall / guitar solo
- Tom MacLean / guitar solo
Quantum – Down the Mountainside (2024)
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