Review Summary: An instrumental epic.
Scale The Summit is a band that, no lie, I just started listening to a few days ago. I'm a huge fan of instrumental music when it's done right, and Scale the Summit is no exception.
For starters, EVERY instrument is audible, especially the bass, which takes the lead role in the opening song "Colossal". With all the bands nowadays who have inaudible bass guitar, Scale the Summit is a shining example of why the bass is important in metal. But it's not just the bass, it's everything about this band. It's bands like this, who are superior and technically proficient at what they do, that should get recognition. And unlike some instrumental bands who you'd prefer to have vocals, Scale the Summit doesn't need them.
Like Between the Buried and Me, there are abrupt time signatures and stylistic shifts, especially in the song "Whales" which is my favorite on the album. The guitar work is impeccable, and the strange thing is, this is a great album to chill to. It demands multiple listens to fully realize its value. It's not about individual songs-as an album, it's tremendous.
Now, this is an instrumental album, so obviously there are no vocals. But "The Collective" will take you on a trip, expressing a wide range of musical genres, but mainly staying in the progressive metal realm. The album expresses a wide range of emotions-it can be fun to cue each song to a part of your day, and it's definitely a good idea to wear headphones while listening to this album-you will discover new intricacies of this band with repeated listens.
If you like bands like BTBAM, Animals as Leaders, Dream Theater, Rush, or even the Sword (if you like The Sword, listen to "Black Hills") then you need to pick up this album. I for one will be listening to this all night.
It's one of the best progressive metal albums, front to back, that I've ever heard.
