Review of Scale The Summit - "V"

MID-MAJOR MAYHEM

By: Geoff Teach

The aptly-titled V is the fifth studio effort from the Houston-based, progressive instrumentalists, Scale The Summit. The follow up to their successful 2013 release, The Migration, V is yet another brilliant display from the prog metal quartet. Despite having to adjust to another lineup change (new drummer J.C. Bryant joined up before recording began), STS have written another beautiful album full of changes, dynamics, and instrumental adroitness that is captivating and compelling.

Immediately, V pulls you in with the stunning track, “The Winged Bull”, on which Mark Michell’s bass work is second to none, before flowing along into the resplendent “Soria Moria”. STS guitarists Chris Letchford and Travis Levrier have been together since the very beginning, and their familiar, seamless alternations between lead and rhythm (and dual lead and dual rhythm, for that matter) are all over this album, but, on these first two tracks, they are distinctly extraordinary.

Moving along in the release, some of my other favorites on Scale The Summit’s V include, well, the entire album, to be honest. But, for the sake of posterity, I will say that “Pontus Euxinus”, “The Isle of Mull”, “Oort Cloud”, and “Blue Sun” are some of the more sensational offerings. Seriously though, the entire breadth of V is breathtaking and addicting. This fantastic album has definitely earned a spot on the forthcoming "Teach’s Class of Metal Top Albums of 2015" list, and has a well-earned place in my regular random music rotation. Purchase a copy and lose yourself in this progressive metal masterpiece as fast as your feet will carry you.

Keep it Metal! \m/

To check out "The Winged Bull" off of V, just press play below!