Puzzled

Reviewed by Sagiv Shaniv – Proofread by Diane Parkes

Artist: Bad Salad
Album: Puzzled
Label: Unsigned
Release Date: 2013

Tracklist:
1. Pain That Binds Us
2. Moonlight
3. Deep Roots

Founded in May 200, BAD SALAD is a Progressive Rock/Metal band from Brasília, Brazil. Their first album “Uncivilized” was released in 2012 and was warmly greeted by the progressive community. The band’s major influences are genre’s within well known bands, such as Dream Theater, Opeth, Porcupine Tree, Metallica, Meshuggah, Muse, Pain of Salvation, Liquid Tension Experiment, Pink Floyd and more.

Regarding the new EP, the band released the following statement: ”PUZZLED (EP) is the product of a collaboration between Bad Salad, South-Korean keyboardist Junghwan Kim, and great supportive fans.” After having successfully toured with Junghwan Kim in Brazil in support of “Uncivilized” (2012), Bad Salad thought it would be a cool idea to invite him back in 2013 to write and record new music together. He commented “We wanted it to be a live experience rather than internet collaboration, with all members writing together inside a rehearsal room”.

The time Junghwan had reserved to stay in Brazil was limited so Bad Salad decided that the project would consist of a 3-song EP + videos for each song; But how does it sound? The EP consists of only three songs, yet it is nearly 30 minutes in length. Therefore, the songs are long and very progressive in nature. There are long solos, bridges and intros, as befits such a band. The sound is heavily distorted and full, with tight drumming and the vocals are rather rough. The solos are rich in technique, both guitar and keyboards; the above mentioned bands influence are felt greatly through the bands music. In fact, I’m not surprised the top influencing band mentioned above is Dream Theater. Their presence is strongly felt in Bad Salad’s music, whether in the emphasis given to technique or in the emotional guitars and powerful drums (Mostly heard in the second track, “Moonlight”).

Basically, the guys make superb progressive metal without being fearful of exploring musical horizons. The music surprises the listener on quite a few occasions throughout the EP, just as a progressive band should. Every sane progressive metal fan would love this release, especially a fortiori a Dream Theater, Symphony X or Opeth fan It is warmly recommended. Go get it!

(rating 9/10)