Digital Muffin

Progressive metal maestros The Human Abstract - a six-piece band out of Los Angeles, CA - are back in action. For those of you who followed this band, you knew of guitar virtuoso A.J. Minette's departure from the band after the release of their debut album Nocturne. This resulted in a sophomore slump of an album by comparison in the form of 2008's Midheaven. However, as word began to spread of THA's third full length album, the rumors of A.J.'s return were quickly confirmed and fans everywhere rejoiced. In addition, they picked up new vocalist Travis Richter (formerly a guitarist for From First To Last).

The Digital Veil opens up with a slow building classically influenced guitar piece that gains steam into a full blown metal instrumental before slowing back down again. The album officially starts off with "Complex Terms". It will take less than a minute of this first track for listeners to confirm what the intro hinted at - A.J. Minette is indeed back. Sweeping guitars, gut-wrenching screams, pummeling drums, a hammering bassline, and soaring clean vocals paint a musical soundscape that will leave you floored. The title track pulls no punches as Travis growls "PULL ME FROM THE GALLOWS!" Technical drum work courtesy of Brett Powell definitely shines through on this track, complementing the immensely complex guitar work of A.J. Minette, Dean Herrera, and Andrew Tapley. "Faust" opens with an incredible guitar riff, while a beautiful bass part by Henry Salva flows perfectly underneath it all. Richter's growls are rivaled only by his magnificent singing voice, which has an almost ethereal quality to it.

From the first haunting notes of "Antebellum", you can tell that this will truly be an epic. A short classical styled intro (if you hadn't figured it out yet, Minette has plenty of classical training) leads into a heavy lyrical section where Richter continues to show off his clean vocals. The man has an incredible voice, and THA are right to make sure they let him run with it. Transitions from clean guitars to distorted, hammering riffs continue through out this seven and a half minute composition, and Travis switches between cleans and screams seamlessly with the music. "Holographic Sight" starts quiet and soft, but crescendos quickly to one of the most crushingly brutal songs that The Human Abstract has ever written. With some impressive sweeps and soloing, courtesy of Mr. Minette, "Horizon To Zenith" uses some masterful classical guitar work throughout the verses with a build to a beautifully heavy chorus. Sadly, all good things must come to an end, even The Digital Veil. "Patterns" closes out this musical journey with the same expert musicianship we've grown to love and respect while Richter's voice echoes over the music.

The production is perfect. The musicians' skill levels are at peak performance. The songwriting and lyricism are top notch. In all of this mastery, I do have a single complaint: with only 8 songs, this album clocks in at just under 37 minutes. After waiting three years since their last release (or 5 years since their last good release), I'd hoped they could give us even more. I suppose this is a minor complaint, as this album is still about as close to perfect as we'll ever see this side of eternity, but I would have loved to hear more on this album, and I know I'm not alone in that.

Even with its shortness, The Human Abstract have returned with an amazingly crafted piece of music. The Digital Veil shows that metal can truly be beautiful and inspiring. Minette's return and writing ability add a depth to their music that few will ever be able to emulate. Be sure to pick up The Human Abstract's The Digital Veil. Your life will be better for it.