Album Review: InnerversE – ‘Awakenings’

The InnerversE are a Symphonic Progressive Metal band with ethnic elements founded by Lambros Marantos. Not long ago they released their debut with the title "Awakenings” which consists of eight tracks. Most of them were written over a span of roughly twenty-five years, with most being instrumental with the exception of “The Promise” where the vocals are handled by Βασίλης Μάραντος. Mixing and production were done by Bob Katsionis at Sound Symmetry Studios.

Symphonic Metal with different elements

“Lust For Freedom” is the album's first track, Speedpower, enjoyable, with neoclassical solos and riffs based on classical music. It's followed by “Sourse Of Life” with soft melodies and quite a few tempo shifts from fast to slow. The keyboards and guitars take the lead role. “Cry For Lucifer” is the darkest track in style, with the keyboards playing nightmarish melodies, technical guitar and keyboard work, and it's one of the best tracks on the record. The riffs and melodies of “Flying In The Dark” are based on Greek tradition. Its style is slow and heavy at first, then lighter and faster.

“Fractal Of Loss” is a track with Eastern influences, the violin and traditional strings together with the guitar take us traveling to the East, mid tempo, another one of the best tracks on the record. “The Promise” is the longest track in duration, just over seven minutes, with influences from the Greek Power Progressive scene and the only song on the record with vocals. “Ishtar” is a distinctive song with ethnic elements, and melodies that bring together Eastern tradition with Greek tradition. Finally, “Radical Evolution” with sharp riffs on guitar and keyboards alternating, technical, with choir parts giving the song an epic dimension.

In conclusion

The InnerversE have written one of the most interesting albums of 2024. Technical, with really good production and sound, and with the ethnic elements bonded to the Progressive Power Metal in such a way that they take the listener on a journey and make them want to hear the album again and again. We can definitely expect a lot from the band in the future.