Scale the Summit-Carving Desert Canyons
Prosthetic
February 17, 2009

Scale the Summit features musicians that are very passionate about their craft. They go far beyond playing music for fun, especially with three of the four members attending the Musicians Institute. That brings about a hunger and dedication for musical knowledge that others simply don't have, and the payoff shows on Carving Desert Canyons, an instrumental album that is audibly stunning while not sounding pretentious and overbearing, or getting boring due to a lack of vocals.

Scale the Summit remind me of a painter using the brightest possible colors to create a Spring landscape. New life is flowing everywhere as this album features a style that I haven't quite heard before; one which they dub "adventure metal." While I definitely hear the "adventure," the "metal" can be debated. There are metal elements, but this is very melodic and hopeful, with the guitars working as paint brushes, each stroke bringing something different and inspiring to the canvas. I don't think of that when I pass the word "metal" through my brain. The music, especially when the leads kick in, reminds me of a victory lap, or something to be used as a pick-me-up when one is at their lowest point (this would probably work as a great motivator during a long jog). The lack of vocals help to bring all of these images and feelings out, as I can't picture someone having a voice good enough to make this sound better.

Scale the Summit provide the listener with the fuel to feel like they can accomplish anything. The talent these four guys possess is jaw dropping, and Carving Desert Canyons is a beautiful piece of art.

Written by: RF
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