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HELIOSPECTRUM is the first full-length offering from the Canadian upstarts, produced by Anthony Calabretta (Stereos, Abandon All Ships), with engineering/editing by Cameron McLellan (Protest The Hero, Intervals). It’s the inevitable culmination of years spent perfecting their sonic alchemy in basements, clubs, theaters and rehearsal rooms, honing a juxtaposition of unrelenting heaviness, complex riffery and ambiance.

The band’s debut full-length is also the result of disciplined dedication and focused collaboration. “Chronos Fear” showcases the relentless riffing and intricate rhythms AURAS bring to the table, sublimely enhanced by nuanced modulation and craft. Lyrically, “Chronos Fear” meditates on the unpredictability of time and future events. It’s thematically not unlike the band’s music, which includes curveballs that are integral to their sound. Hold onto the grooves, because the musical ground will always move.

“Dream Elixir” broadens the scope of the band’s sound into new territory, introducing clean singing, buoyed by melodicism and ambitious hooks. “Infinite Influence” bridges the gap between crushing heaviness, mind-melting technical proficiency, and quiet/loud dynamics, complete with a guest solo courtesy of Intervals guitarist Aaron Marshall. The vocals explore AURAS lowest depths at one point. The song’s ending redefines heavy.

Speaking of endings, “Solar Pulse” closes the album, a thematically driven opus with all of the existential/scientific/spiritualism the title would suggest and this particular neighborhood of the heavy metal genre revels in so magnificently. At over six minutes, it’s the longest AURAS composition thus far, complete with guest work from McLellan.

Progressive Metal from Ontario, Canada.

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