PLEXIMENTS - The Maze Within

PLEXIMENTS

Album: The Maze Within

Genre: Instrumental Progmetal

Release Date: April 9th 2021

Country: Russia

Label: Self-Released

Artist-Links:  BANDCAMP / INSTAGRAM / FACEBOOK

It’s been a few weeks since I came across PLEXIMENTS, the project of Russian guitarist and composer Evgen Tsibulin, thanks to a recommendation. The first song I heard – “Mental Prisoner” – caught me immediately and made be really curious about his debut “The Maze Within”, which was set to release on April 9th. It's a concept album, dealing with our inner selves and the voices, that could speak words of encourage, sometimes words of blame, or maybe be so intrusive that we want it to shut up forever. Trying to understand them can be like walking inside a maze, searching for an exit. Whether we get lost into it, or if we can leave behind anxiety, self-criticism or mediocracy depends on a strong decision, and Evgen impressively describes the wandering on these winding paths with his music.

PLEXIMENTS offers a wide variety of styles, as well as a high creativity in song-writing, but always with an amazing flow. The most striking element is the fantastic guitar playing, that alternates between heavy, aggressive, virtuosic, and very smooth when needed, sometimes even with some Spanish vibes. Mixing electric and acoustic guitars gives the sound something special here. The drums support the songs perfectly with a great, varied rhythmic, as well as the bass, which also brings in some amazing solo parts. The piano is very present and a real listening pleasure. Even though this is an instrumental release, you can hear clean and harsh vocals in the middle section, representing the voices and thoughts “Inside the Maze”, but at some points, they are the only little weakness on this otherwise very impressive first effort. Did anyone ask for more Saxophone in metal? You can have a bit of it here as well.

All-together, “The Maze Within” is an incredible debut album: step in and see where PLEXIMENTS will lead you. But beware, you might get caught and maybe don’t want to find out anymore, as the music is mesmerizing. Talking for myself, I feel a strong need to return and discover more of it.

Written by Katha