THIS WEEK I’M LISTENING TO...OSYRON Momentous (independent)

Probably one of the most significant – and certainly one of the most exciting – releases of the year, ‘Momentous’ is a progressive metal fan’s dream. There’s an interview with the band elsewhere on JTO but, for a quick recap, Canada’s Osyron have been together since 2012, and had two albums with slightly differing line-ups under their belts (2013’s ‘Harbinger’, and ‘Kingsbane’ which followed four years later) before unveiling ‘Foundations’ in 2020, a five-track EP which features the now settled line-up of vocalist Reed Alton, guitarists Krzysztof Stalmach and Bobby Harley, bassist Tyler Corbett and drummer Cody Anstey. ‘Momentous’ takes the ideas on ‘Foundations’ and pushes them to the max to create a diverse and electrifying collection of material.

Osyron_band_photo

The songs have it all – power, melody, excitement and passion – and, driven by the band’s exemplary musicianship, soar and swoop. A collaborative effort, the material is almost a masterclass in songwriting, although the band never let their heads rule their hearts so technical proficiency is kept in check to allow the passion and immediacy of the songs to come to the fore. On an album of many treasures it’s hard to highlight firsts among equals, but opener ‘Anunnaki’ and the Queensÿche-tinged ‘Beyond The Sun’ certainly shine brightly indeed. Don’t be surprised to see this album in critics’ end-of-year Top 20s when the time comes to tally the results. It is that good,; trust me on this. ‘Momentous’ by name, momentous by nature...

Video clips:
‘Beyond The Sun’ - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9mScoZIwZY

‘Dominion Day’ - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lk3G-eknBng

‘Anunnaki’ - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0ioMqtZ1w4