EXESS „Deus Ex Machina”

Fastball Music & Bob Media Distribution, 2020

Music: Progressive Rock / Modern Metal

Website:

https://en.exess.ch/

https://www.facebook.com/Exessband/

https://fastball-music.bandcamp.com/album/deus-ex-machina

Duration: 43:00 minutes (9 tracks)

Country: Switzerland

“Deus Ex Machina” is the debut album of Swiss musicians from Moutier (in the canton of Bern)… Wow, Switzerland! I love this country! Me and my wifespent many holidays there. However, after the death of a very close person, this country remained only a nostalgic memory… I have a huge fondness for everything that is Swiss and it will probably affect the objectivity of this review. Anyway, I like the fact that EXESS’s musicians are not teenagers anymore and yet they wanted to start their musical adventure with this band. I don’t really know much about them. Probably, rating by the maturity of the arrangements, these are not their beginnings with composing…

The first associations fell on SKUNK ANANSIE. However, EXESS is closer to Metal (which was emphasized above all in the song “Nothing Is Left”, the most Metal, even groove-metal, with strong riffs and a distinct alternating rhythm, and above all with growing screams intertwined with pure singing, also at times very melancholic style). Unfortunately, this is the one emanation of such style. It’s a pity because the song turned out great, crushing, atmospheric and quite original as well as crazy.

The remaining songs (except of the cover of “Sleeping Satellite” by Tasmin Archer) are somewhat moody, dark and melancholic, but instrumentally changeable with jumps to the side towards balladic and romantic accents or contrary, to pressing the gas pedal towards stronger hits, even Grunge and of course Groove or Nu Metal.

The singing of the frontwoman – Céline – is most often subdued and balanced, very melancholic, but sometimes it enters the higher vocal parts. Her vocal phenomenon consists in the fact that although instrumental compositions are often quite powerful, then singer is able to soften their final reception by her singing.

The music is very guitar-like, I would even say it is progressive in some places, additionally with a funky twist. Overall very moody and emotional. Easily catchy. Perfect for radio play.