TANGENT
PLANE - Project Elimi (2011)
7Hard Records
This is the third release from these German metallers.
TANGENT PLANE were formed in Berlin 15 years ago and released an EP in 1996,
followed by their first full-length album in 2008. “Project Elimi” is their
second full-length album. The band also recorded a 10-track demo between 2003
and 2004, but it was never released due to its poor sound quality. Mixing and
mastering duties on the current album were handled by the Greek producer
Dimitris Liapakis.
Musically, TANGENT PLANE play progressive metal with a
few power metal elements. I wouldn't say that their sound is particularly
similar to any specific band, as they have developed their own approach to the
genre.
“Project Elimi” clocks in at 76 minutes, and,
unfortunately, this is where one of its main problems lies. It is quite a
tiring album and doesn't manage to maintain the listener's interest throughout its
considerable running time. There are some really interesting parts scattered
across several songs, and you can clearly hear that the band has the ability to
create something worthwhile. However, in general, the songwriting is rather
mediocre and lacks the consistency needed to make the album truly stand out.
This is a shame, because the band's sound is good and
the musicians are more than technically adequate. There is certainly potential
here, and I hope they manage to develop their songwriting further on their next
release. If they can combine their technical abilities and solid sound with
stronger, more memorable compositions, then we could be talking about a really
great album.
Until then, however, fans of progressive metal should
probably look elsewhere.
Ioannis Kaskamanidis
