In the vast landscape of progressive metal, where the boundaries of creativity are constantly pushed, the debut album of the Spanish project slq, titled 'Crown Shyness', emerges as a unique yet somewhat enigmatic offering. With a release date set for August 14, 2026, this album is a testament to the power of collaboration, featuring renowned session musicians such as Derek Sherinian, Diego Tejeida, Baard Kolstad, and Nate Navarro. But is it a groundbreaking masterpiece or a mere collection of promising fragments? Let's delve into the intricacies of this intriguing release.
A Collaborative Endeavor
The brainchild of composer, vocalist, and guitarist César Parra Rojas, slq is a project that transcends the boundaries of a one-man band. Rojas, with his vision, has successfully lured some of the industry's finest session musicians to contribute to his debut. This collaboration, in itself, is a fascinating aspect of the album, as it showcases the potential for a young artist to elevate their work through the support of established talent. However, the question remains: does this collaboration elevate the album to greatness, or does it merely highlight its shortcomings?
A Sound in Flux
'Crown Shyness' is a musical journey that draws inspiration from the iconic Tool, with a similar riffing style and tom-focused drumming that colors the compositions. The influence of Leprous, Haken, and Porcupine Tree is also evident, creating a rich tapestry of progressive metal. Yet, the album struggles to find its identity, resulting in a sound that is both intriguing and somewhat undefined. The moments that stand out are often exceptions to this general sound, such as the piano-led salsa groove on 'A Chasm' or the blues rock instrumentals of 'A Deception'. While Rojas' guitar work is serviceable, it occasionally falls into derivative territory, with his riffs lacking the originality that one might expect from a debut.
Vocal Weaknesses
One of the most significant challenges on 'Crown Shyness' is César Parra Rojas' vocals. Despite his efforts, Rojas' vocal control is often lacking, resulting in pitchy, oversung, or meek deliveries. The boosting of his vocals in the mix, while intended to compensate for his quietness, only amplifies the wobbles, leading to a homogeneity that permeates the entire record. This vocal weakness, combined with the album's overall lack of a clear destination, makes 'Crown Shyness' a challenging listen.
Micro-Level Enjoyment
Despite the album's shortcomings, there are moments of brilliance. The salsa section on 'A Chasm' is a standout, showcasing the band's ability to create a unique and engaging atmosphere. 'A Delusion' features a strong guitar solo from Rojas, while Tejeida's keyboard work is sublimely designed, adding a layer of complexity to the compositions. Kolstad's drumming, though sometimes off-kilter, brings a sense of rhythm to the album. However, these highlights are rare, and the album often feels like a slog, lacking the cohesion and vision that make a progressive metal album truly memorable.
A Work in Progress
'Crown Shyness' is a record that strives towards a vision, but it hasn't quite clarified it yet. While the addition of session musicians can't mask the obvious deficiencies, it also highlights the potential for growth. Rojas' dedication to crafting a unique sound is commendable, and the album's instrumental sections are very listenable, with impressive flourishes and intriguing compositional swings. However, the vocal weaknesses and lack of a unified vision prevent it from being a masterpiece.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, 'Crown Shyness' is a mixed bag, offering glimpses of brilliance amidst a sea of challenges. While it may not be for everyone, it is a testament to the collaborative process and the potential for growth. Rojas' journey is one worth following, and as the album's 'struggling sapling' grows, it will be fascinating to see the direction it takes. For now, it remains a work in progress, leaving listeners with a sense of anticipation for what the future may hold.
Recommended tracks: 'A Quest', 'A Chasm', 'A Return'.
You may also enjoy: 'Human By Nature' by Elaimys, and 'Inhalo' by Sever.
Final verdict: 4/10.
