 Aeon Zen
 Enigma
 Review by Greg Olma

Aeon Zen is a new progressive metal band that I was recently turned onto by a friend. It still amazes me that even in a time when there are so many bands out there, things slip through my fingers and I don’t discover these groups until they are a few records into their career. Aeon Zen is a prime example of a band that was not on my radar but now after hearing their third release Enigma, I am hooked. These guys are based out of the UK and have been making music for the past four years, yet I am just getting to them now. I guess it’s better late than never. While each of them is a master of his instrument, they possess the ability to create great songs and forego the musical self-indulgence into which a lot of prog ands fall. They are definitely influenced by Dream Theater but they add touches of harsh vocal here and there to splice in a bit of a modern sound. Andi Kravljaca has a great voice and he uses it to full effect throughout this release. There are a number of guest vocalists who add to the overall sound but still manage to give Enigma a nice continuity. The other stars of this record are the guitarists Rich Hinks and Matt Shepherd. These two know their way around a fretboard but always have the song in mind when performing. Enigma is a very solid release and although the year is still young, this record is already in my top ten for 2013.
This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2013 Volume 3 at lulu.com/strangesound.
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