Review Summary: An audacious endeavor that proved to yield excellent results.
David Maxim Micic is known for his progressive metal sounds, so it was a bit of a shock when he dropped "Eco." This project still has that metal edge, but it also dives into pop and EDM influences. It's a fresh take for Micic, and honestly, it pulls it off really well, standing out as one of the more original offerings in today’s progressive scene. The production is a fantastic mix of EDM and progressive metal, creating a sound that's both rich and gritty at the same time. It leans heavily into the melodic dubstep realm, especially the more somber side of it. This genre allows for a lot of space in the music, with those big EDM moments feeling grand without drowning out the listener.
What really shines here are the coherent song structures. Unlike a lot of electronic tracks that can drag on, every song here has something catchy that keeps you hooked. This is especially true with the featured vocalists like Scampi and Miyoki, who are known for their melancholic melodic dubstep styled vocals. Their high-pitched vocals blend perfectly with the music and deliver some enchanting vocal hooks. Scampi’s performance on "The Flock" fits seamlessly with the lush arrangements.
Then there's "500 Seconds Before Sunset," an amazing ambient piece that seems to take cues from another melodic substep artist, this time in the artist Blackmill. His distinctive synthesizer and melodic selections craft an exquisite soundscape, reminiscent of entering a paradise abundant with nature as far as the eye can see. It’s honestly impressive how natural this electronic music can sound. It might seem like a stretch to call "500 Seconds" connected to earth's plant life since it’s all crafted through computers and tech. But the production is absolutely top-notch, featuring those rich guitar plucks that bring a sense of calm. Even though it’s a longer track, it doesn’t drag at all, thanks to the fun, upbeat rhythms that keep you engaged.
The metal elements really add a nice depth to the music, executed brilliantly. That breakdown in "The Flock" is especially satisfying, matching the track's mood perfectly. It’s heavy yet has this melodramatic flair that makes for a fantastic climax. Hearing those lower-tuned, distorted guitars layered over a lush arrangement is a treat, and Plini does something similar. The guitar's timbre gives off a warm feeling, and the mix of light and heavy elements strikes a great balance for fans of both gritty and vibrant music. David Maxim Micic's "Eco" is definitely a hidden gem that deserves more attention. It’s a bold experiment that turned out to be really enjoyable.
