What’s immediately noticeable about Concentric‘s second effort is while it keeps its  acoustic,  cello laced, jazz and flamenco based progressive technicality, there’s is a much more focused metal element with a concerted effort to include more electric guitar riffage, a prominent, steady bass and more featured drums and overall, a more  hefty and heavy approach. That’s not to say the act has lost their dazzling, acoustics and experimental flare and gorgeous cello use, it’s just now this release is going to open the act up  a little more to far more, notoriously picky  metal fans.

Still, Concentric‘s sound is a many layered one that should be fully appreciated with headphones and a dedicated listening session, not a casual or random listen. There is just a stunning array of sounds going on on each of the 5 tracks that they each require your full attention at all times. And that is even which what appears to me a more streamlined and focused sound.

The songs seem to masterfully capture the essence of their given titles; the 10 minute opener “Denial” is busy, convoluted and jarring, as is the shorter, more explosive and discordant “Anger”. which ends with a stern stomp. Both opening tracks amount to basically acoustic/instrumental takes on technical death metal or other technical acts like Spiral Architect  (both noted influences on Mr Hauppa). However, it’s the latter the tracks/stages where Concentric really shine as the representative stages lend themselves more more elegant and introspective instrumentation, especially the cello, which really adds to the already stunning “Bargaining”  and somber “Depression” beautifully. A hammered dulcimer  graces closer “Acceptance” a more uplifting and appropriately paced, more acoustic number with a simply glorious final couple of minutes.

I’d still be really interested to hear what this act could do with some well implemented vocals (I’m thinking  Micheal Akerfeldt’s clean croons) as everything from the song writing, superb skill and perfect production are in line for something special, if they can break of the insular instrumental music scene.

Check out new song V, “Depression.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTpqQXwMScI

And a video  recording the opening minutes to the first track, “Denial.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLrPP0vV-6E

V will be available through Concentric at the end of February.  Contact them at www.myspace.com/concentric.

Featuring former Deadtide.com writer Jerry Hauppa (who I actually owe no favors to for this review since he once publicly called me and digitalmetal.com out), Concentric play a form of technical avant-garde instrumental music that’s largely acoustic and somewhat flamenco-ish and sometimes folky (in an organic, medieval kind of way), has some violin and cello, and some occasional metal leanings, but is superbly performed and a nice break from all the breakdowns and blastbeats.

What Concentric manage to do is be delicate, laid back and relaxing, while retaining some metallic complexity. While certainly most of the album is languid yet intricate string/acoustic (with percussion) busy flourishes that bring to mind some of the great Flamenco/Acoustic soloists (“Familiarity”, “Opaque”, “Counterbalance”, the delightful duo of “Sleep Therapy” and closer “Verdiend”-complete with acoustic blast beat), its obvious that Hauppa’s metal background is still a little on display for the likes of the moody “The Colossus”, end of “Inspiration” and the 9-minute title track which delivers electric guitar riffs, solos and even a surprise blast beat.

Jim Becker adds some enchanting cello (particularly the haunting “Monument” and “Sedatophobia”) and violin work to the mix, while newly added drummer Brad O’ Malley give the acoustics dexterity some backbone- and it comes together for a rather breath taking but definitely non metal, 60 minute experience that, on headphones, just unravels, and envelops with each unique and beautiful chord and note.

A simply breath taking exercise in skillfull, dexterous acoustics, Concentric have to be one of the most talented and enthralling instrumental, non metal acts Ive been exposed too. I hope some of you guys feel the same way.