Melioristii. - EP

What virtuosos lay inside Meliorist? Not like they’re hiding anything. They are weapons-grade musicians, and that’s for sure. Brisbane’s Meliorist is a seamless blend of heady old school prog and death metal fortitude, making one wonder why no-one combined the two years ago.

Names like Mattias ‘IA’ Eklundh (Freak Kitchen) and Paul Masvidal (Cynic) rush to mind spinning Meliora’s second EP. Guitarists Andrew Apte and Maxim Lullfitz write toe-tappers, groovers, and heroic solos that’ll have even the fussiest prog-head frothing at the mouth. By way of example, opener New Chapter is as funky as it is brutal – now there’s a sentence you’d never thought you’d read.

Guitarists Andrew Apte and Maxim Lullfitz write toe-tappers, groovers, and heroic solos that’ll have even the fussiest prog-head frothing at the mouth.

Hollow (feat. Martin Miller) runs crystalline leads over oblique, chugging riffs, sort of like if Steve Vai asked Devin Townsend back into the studio for old times’ sake. What You’ve Lost should get a nod as a track ‘most likely to entice death metallers into prog,’ drums breaking away from relaxed, but no less potent, grooves.

A layered production, fresh yet accessible riffs, and hints of flamenco (Reignite Position) and even New Retro Wave (What You’ve Lost) keeps ii. ripe for repeat listens. The final word? More please.

STANDOUT TRACKS: What You’ve Lost, Hollow, 
STICK THIS NEXT TO: Between The Buried And Me, Caligula’s Horse, Fallujah