Australian band Caligula’s Horse have dropped their fifth studio album and promptly blown us all away by demonstrating exactly what progressive metal should be. Their earlier albums were incredible, there is no denying that, but their latest offering, “Rise Radiant,” has done the unthinkable; gone that one step further and outshone all their previous work.

This release has proven the musical mastery these guys are capable of. We hear a real willingness to experiment and push themselves harder, almost getting the sense they were unsatisfied with their previous albums and are seeking to constantly strive higher, faster, harder, while staying thematically perfect and giving us that soaring serenity that only progressive metal can provide.

This dedication and desire for self-improvement really shines through on “Rise Radiant,” as does the band’s incredible sense of teamwork. Jim Grey (vocals), Sam Vallen (lead guitar), Adrian Goleby (rhythm guitar), Dale Prinsse (bass) and Josh Griffin (drums) are like a well-oiled machine of perfectly planned and timed music. No one is grandstanding here. Each member is doing exactly what he should be, contributing their stunning performances to every track. And doing it perfectly. The result is a beautiful cornucopia of progressive metal sound, power, strength, and fearlessness. It truly must be heard to be believed.

All of “Rise Radiant” feels like a journey. An enjoyable thrill-ride that is unrelenting and ceaselessly enjoyable. They have taken the base of their previous work and used it as a platform to project themselves out even further, while staying true to that sound we all know and love. This album is filled with raw, emotive energy, presented in the beautiful package that is that unique progressive metal sound.

Bringing us a delicious mix of ballads and faster, heavier tracks, with Grey’s vocals able to shift flawlessly across both styles, there is nothing boring or skippable on this entire album. Every second, every note, has you clinging on for dear life and aching for more. You will feel deeply with this one, you can’t not. There is just so much emotional energy underlying every track.

Nobody thought Caligula’s Horse could outdo their previous album “On Contact,” the one that saw them achieve critical acclaim and their first strong commercial success. Well, they have proven the naysayers wrong and gone ahead and done it. “Rise Radiant” has radiantly risen the bar on progressive metal and shown us that no matter how awesome a band is, they can always keep surprising us by getting even better.

 progressive metal 

Author: Harley Houghton

Harley Houghton is a writer and blogger, based in Melbourne, Australia. Her passions include music, especially metal, gaming and comics. Check out her blog www.harleysmadhouse.com and follow her on Twitter.