Kaerulean is a progressive death metal band from Brisbane, Australia. Songs tend towards the very theatrical, with an almost medieval storytelling quality. I like that they try to incorporate minstrel-like cleans to further the story, even if the delivery has a few growing pains. Even so, it provides a nice counterpoint to the intense death growls, and is something I'd like to see mature in the future.
The symphonic side here is definitely over the top, but in a good way. F@#k subtlety. It's a death metal opera second only in theatrics to Fleshgod Apocalypse. But rather than devolving into a somewhat amorphous chaos, Adrift is quite structured. It's a proggy opus filled with excellent dynamics that are impossible to appreciate or perhaps even comprehend upon first listen. If you only have a few minutes, I'd recommend starting with the simply gorgeous "Jaded Angel." This track is full of shifting styles, catchy vocals, and gripping hooks.
If you wanted something a little faster, but with some awesome strings, "Fallout"'s not a bad bet either. This track seems to just get more and more intense by the minute, building to some impressive solos, tapping, and otherwise awesome guitar work amidst the thick atmosphere and surprisingly well constructed electronics in the outro. That piano though... "Crossing Acheron" ain't too shabby either. The clean vocals on this track have an old school Dark Tranquillity vibe as well. And don't forget the angelic chorals either. Or that surprise guitar hook...or-
Point being, there's a lot of solid music to be heard on this album. By the time you cross the epic landscape of "Malefactor" to the final destination of "Carrier," you will have taken quite a journey. Should have taken the eagles...It's less than $4 on bandcamp, so check it out.
