Cyclopean Walls – 'Enter the Dreamlands': Progressive sound with dynamics

A few words about the band

The Cyclopean Walls began their journey in 2019 in Paris, founded by guitarist and composer of Greek descent Γιάννης Τζιάλλας. The band's early attempts led to the release of the Embrace the Mythos EP. From early on, the band showed its intention to play Progressive Metal influenced by what's happening in the genre on both sides of the Atlantic, and also to set to music the classic mythos of H.P.Lovecraft.

With the addition of Rafael Gazal of the American progressive metallers Leviathan on vocals and of Jonas Schütz on drums, who among other things also plays with the Dutch Sacrosanct, the line up was ready for the recording of Enter the Dreamslands.

On the music

Indeed we're dealing with a fantastic album in the realm of progressive metal, since beyond the given worth and skill of the musicians involved, here we have exceptional quality compositions, fantastic performances, and also the very interesting addition of female vocals, saxophone, and a small string orchestra.

Γιάννης Τζιάλλας's vision is captured in 9 original compositions, of which the first single is "The Doom that Came to Sarnath", a composition dealing with the corresponding Lovecraftian Mythos, capturing all the intensity and drama it demands.

One certainly can't overlook tracks like Festival, where the use of saxophone touches different areas of the musical spectrum, even reaching free jazz and improvisation, while still maintaining the metal backbone of the composition. As well as the mysterious "The Dweller in Darkness" which stands firmly on the heavy metal tradition of the '80s.

In conclusion

Overall the album is adorned with such beautiful elements that give particular diversity and colour to the music of Cyclopean Walls. There, progressive (metal but also rock), classic heavy/power metal, and classical/symphonic music coexist harmoniously, emerging as an influence through the musical education of the members making up the band. One can hear this throughout the entire album, which is recommended to be listened to in full and not in bits and pieces.

Lovecraft's subject matter is rendered with respect (e.g. in The Garden), building a goth aesthetic and overall feel to the release. So the album promises to captivate you and is one of the best releases one will find in 2021 in worldwide progressive metal!