365 Days of Metal: Monkey Wrench

Day 23

Chimp Spanner - At The Dream's Edge

Band Origin: Essex, England
Genre: Progressive Metal / Ambient / Djent
Label: Independent / Basick Records
Running Time: 61 minutes
Release Date: December 8, 2009 (Re-issued April, 2010)

Best Part: Terminus pt. I-III

Favorite Tracks: The Mirror, Harvey Wallbanger, Supererogation, and Far From Home

Grade: 4.5

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At The Dream's Edge in 20 words or less:

An 'as eloquent as it is heavy' instrumental album from another multi-instrumentalist with a bucket full of talent.

The Artist:

Chimp Spanner is the brainchild and solo project of Paul Ortiz, composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist, known primarily for his guitar work. Ortiz turned heads as an independent artist among fellow solo artists with his debut record in 2004, and once more with the release of At The Dream's Edge in 2009 - which was eventually re-issued by Basick Records, who signed Ortiz in 2010. His second release was heavier, and featured variability in style and tempo, with a production quality that most believed was unheard of, seeing as how Ortiz recorded all of his work from home. Ortiz is also known for his other side project Blessed Inertia, and for his former live guitar work with the band Monuments.

Chimp Spanner's previous release is entitled Imperium Vorago and was release independently in early 2005.

Jay's Take on At The Dream's Edge:

At The Dream's Edge is an instrumental paradise of heavy, progressive riffs, clean melodies and ambiance that is sure to please fans all across the progressive metal spectrum. Ortiz's guitar work is par for the course across the entire record, providing a wide range of catchy riffs, solos and intriguing melodies. The timely use of shifts in tempo and ambiance are what make this record so enjoyable - shifting from  darker, slower more melodic passages, and erupting into more energetic and technical sections, or vice versa. Ortiz also known for composing experimental electronica manages to weave in synths flawlessly, adding even more depth to the feel and energy put forward through each track. The way the intro track, Galaxy Rise, flows into Supererogation has a dramatic feel to it that really sucks you into the rest of of the record.

Sample of the Day:



- J