Penumbra Diffuse

Penumbra Diffuse is the second full-length release from Georgia's Canvas Solaris--a progressive instrumental metal band that has strayed far from its roots in death metal. Released in 2006, Penumbra Diffuse features the band as a trio but features rich, thick instrumental arrangements thanks to careful layering of tracks. The production values are excellent on this album, allowing each layer of instrumentation to shine through. This is aided and enhanced by excellent performances all around. There's plenty of full-on metal to be found here, but this album's hallmark is found in it's dynamics.

The percussion work on Penumbra Diffuse is a treat. Hunter Ginn's work on the drum kit is a delight as always, but he also impresses with some traditional percussion instruments. The rhythms on this disc are interesting without being overly challenging. They strike a comfortable balance and feel very natural.

The guitar work ranges from intense and angular to soft and beautiful. There's no denying the tech metal roots here, but Nathan Sapp clearly doesn't feel like he has anything to prove. This isn't an over the top shred fest.

The bass guitar work is in the same arena as the lead guitar. The playing is interesting, impressive, and tasteful. The tone is up front but not obnoxious, and there aren't any forced 'pay attention to me' bass solos. Like everything on this album, it just fits.

Penumbra Diffuse also marks an increase in the band's use of synth, a trend that has continued with future releases. Again, the synth work leads the band away from their death metal origins but it just works so well that it's tough to imagine these songs without it.

Canvas Solaris put together an exceptional album with Penumbra Diffuse. There's a wonderful mix of aggressive technical metal, elegant instrumental beauty, and even world rhythms. It's a dynamic mix that the band pulls off with exceptional skill. This is highly recommended for anyone interested in technical metal.