Hard work, determination and a relentless passion for music is what defines ABOVE SYMMETRY, a new und hungry melodic band with progressive influences, ready to shake up the scene and step up to worldwide recognition with their impressive debut release “Ripples” on InsideOutMusic.
ABOVE SYMMETRY has been expanding their following and introducing their music to a new and larger audience by sharing stages both within Norway with bands like Pagan’s Mind, Circus Maximus or Audrey Horne and also debuting internationally when the band supported former Nightwish vocalist Tarja Turunen in Spain and in Switzerland in 2009.
Due to each member’s personal wide range in musical taste and interests the music showcases a fresh and very individual blend of heavy and tight riffing, atmospheric soundscapes, an abundance of melody, skilled solos and yet an ever-present "in-your-face" rock'n'roll attitude with a strong focus on catchy melodies and focused songwriting. The band members quote acts like Pain Of Salvation, Pagan’s Mind, Symphony X, Dream Theater, Evergrey or Soilwork as common favourites and stylistic influences, which further stresses the point that a high level of musicianship and creativity are elementary components of ABOVE SYMMETRY’s approach. Vocalist Atle Pettersen adds another extremely interesting layer to the band’s profound sound with his very expressive melodic range and a captivating sense for effective hooklines.
The band’s debut full-length album "Ripples" has been recorded in their home-studio in Skien, Norway, and was later mixed and mastered to sonic perfection at Fascination Street Studios in Sweden by Jens Bogren, who has previously produced bands such as Opeth, Paradise Lost, Hammerfall or Symphony X. Bogren was obviously impressed by the potential of the young musicians and comments on “Ripples” as follows: “This debut album is one of the best progressive metal albums I've heard in a looong time! Since 1992, to be exact! It was an honor helping the band getting the album the way they deserve."
“Ripples” consists of 10 extremely well-composed and varied songs wrapped in a dynamic and a powerful production. The album features Nils K. Rue (Pagan’s Mind) on background vocals and comes with artwork created by Gustavo Sazes (Firewind, Arch Enemy, Dream Evil, etc.), visually enhancing the basic concept that ‘every single action has a consequence, either on a personal or global level’’, which is what connects all lyrics and the album’s title.
In a scene and market currently oversaturated by faceless, standardized bands and their average product, truly inspired and gifted musicians encounter a hard time to be allowed to shine through. That’s why young talent like ABOVE SYMMETRY does deserve our attention and support all the more, as “Ripples” is very likely only a first sign of great things to come.