East of the Wall - "A Neutral Second"

Good Prog Metal.... Oh, you wanted me to say more... Uuuhhhm...

East of the Wall is an experimental metal band from New Jersey, combining the aggressive technicality of Progressive Metal with the desolate soundscapes of Post-Metal. They’re still not very well-known, so there aren’t a lot of definitive sources on them out there, but A Neutral Second is their sixth full-length album, and they seem to have been active for about fifteen years.

The band describe themselves as a “situational art metal band”. Whatever that means.

But here’s the crux: they’re not bad. This album is an enjoyable listen. But nothing really stands out here, and that’s the problem. No singular element is ever bad, but there are also no real mindblowing moments - nothing that mandates this album as a must-listen. Even for those, like myself, who love Prog Metal. 

And I think that’s why it’s taken me four listens to try and write this review. There’s just nothing much to really write about. It’s good. The band is talented. But that’s the end of it, really.

Three of the album’s eight tracks exceed 6.5 minutes, and these longer tracks are, generally, some of the best on the album. “Hegemony’s Dilemma”, the album closer, features guest vocalist Martin Howth, who truly helps to elevate the sound.

If you’re into Prog Metal, you’ll likely enjoy this album, but I don’t see it contending for any AOTY awards.

Rating: Green