by Christophe Pauly
– Sr. Photojournalist —
The German band Mayze has released its debut studio album titled The Land Of Lucid Feathers. The group is known not only for its unique music but also for its live performances.
Formed in 2012 by Marcel Schiborr (guitar) and Matt Bauer (drums), this band creates complex music that sounds like a musical ma(y)ze. The group is a Progressive Metal outfit that combines elements of Psychedelic, Gothic and Trip-hop genres into its music. The other members include Arne Timm (keyboards), Baniel Bauer (bass) and the wonderful Maike Flüshöh (vocals) to complete the team.
The artwork of this album is very intriguing; it is a visual representation of a fantasy world. The band wanted to do an album that fell within a particular universe. When listening to this album, it is evident that the musicians are really talented and experienced. The Land Of Lucid Feathers is the achievement of a lot of hard work.
The songs are epic in length, and the melodies take some unexpected directions. The music mix different genres, and the band seems to have mastered all of them, creating logically structured arrangements.
Vocalist Maike Flüshöh grabs your attention throughout the album. While the band appears to be another Symphonic Metal group evidenced by their visual presentation, it employs the female vocalist to sing in soprano to demonstrate her ability as if she is conducting a clinic. Flüshöh is nothing like that. Instead, she offers listeners an emotional delivery to the music. She has an incredible, charismatic voice that is made for Rock. She has mastered her craft and never abuses her status as the lead vocalist by being a clinician.
With all those elements, Mayze has a unique sound, with an identity that is pretty rare with a group that only has released one album to date.
Genre: Progressive Metal
Track Listing:
1. Embracing Whispers
2. Pounding Dead Heart
3. As I Close My Eyes
4. Isolation
5. Emperor of My Heart
6. Exonerate Me
7. He
8. Grinning Faces
9. Secret Garden
10. The Forlorn Hope Company
11. Lucid Feathers
Label: Independent
Web: https://www.facebook.com/mayzemusic
Hardrock Haven rating: 8/10