Reviews list for Persefone - Spiritual Migration (2013)

Consider me a heretic, but I think that Persefone only got better after the release of Spiritual Migration. Don't get me wrong, this is a fantastic album, but something about it just doesn't resonate the same way that Aathma does. Some of that might have to do with the heavier focus on technical wanking than melodic songwriting; chugging guitar riffs, never ending time signature changes, technically demanding guitar and percussion elements. But what amazes me above all of it is how well it all fits together! Given my history and my general distaste for technical death metal, there is no reason why I should like an album like this. But each tracks flows effortlessly from one into the next and before I realize it, I have listened through the entire album again! I really enjoy the thematic songwriting on tracks like "Mind as Universe" and "Spiritual Migration". I really like how the band takes a breather half way through the project to play a melo-death instrumental in "Consciousness". "Inner Fullness" and "The Majestic of Gaia" should appeal to any tech-death fans out there.

Persefone would only go on to get better with more melodic songwriting and greater concepts in 2017 with Aathma, but let's not forget the album that put Persefone on the map. Going back on this album near the end of the 2010s and hearing it again, I can attest that Spiritual Migration is one of the decades most influential heavy metal albums. Progressive and technical death metal owe a lot to this album.

Progressive metal is for those who can expect the unexpected. You know a lot more to find than the back of your hand. With so many influences from other genres, it is one of the most widely varied genres in the world. Persefone are known as the Andorran kings of the progressive realm. From such a small country hidden subtly in the world map, this band deserves to spread all over the metal map. The godly music and lyrical info will surely blow your mind. Your brain will be twisted while having a smooth soul. Your senses will buried in storming energy. The band continues their unpredictability with their most memorable album for the ages, Spiritual Migration!

What to find in Persefone is technical complexity and powerful virtuosity beyond limits, and Spiritual Migration has it all, marking probably their most extreme album yet. Complex rhythms load up structured melodies, with unique instrumentation blending together in deathly progressive metal perfection. Everything is here from technical riffs and fast solos to clean guitars, and from harsh to clean vocals, along with booming bass, show-stealing keyboards, and drumming superior to almost every other band.

From the intro "Flying Sea Dragons" you hear the album begin with the incantation bowl like the one used in a yoga class I was in, for a sense of meditative tranquility. Then guitar tapping fades in and rises in a crescendo, introducing more instruments one by one for an epic orchestral metal overture. Then begins the first full song, "Mind as Universe", quick getting straight into the fast metal action. Trust me, after giving that song a few listens, you'll want more of it! The clean soloing of "The Great Reality" really makes that song a great highlight. Don't get caught off-guard by the mighty perspective changes! "Zazen Meditation" is the first of two relaxing "Meditation" interludes.

The majestic "The Majestic of Gaia" has a memorable fast solo and a slow bridge. "Consciousness" is an expressive instrumental piece of different moods and no lyrics, and both parts should be listened together for the full experience. "Sitting in Silence" is the softer part, but "A Path ton Enlightenment" is heavier. The most memorable solo here is in "Inner Fullness", along with the clean/harsh vocals balance to keep you aware. "Metta Meditation" is the second "Meditation" interlude with calm trance-like keyboard.

"Upward Explosion" explodes out of the quietness again with a loud deathly progressive metal attack. The title track continues the memorable soloing again after a synth-heavy midsection. The last full song "Returning to the Source" describes your soul dying and returning to whence it came. The "Outro" ends the journey in relaxing positivity.

Persefone is like your friendly neighborhood metal band. Their unique music is what makes them stand out, so listening to them would help set your judgement straight, and Spiritual Migration has helped with that. One of many great reasons why metal is my way of life!

Favorites: "Mind as Universe", "The Great Reality", "The Majestic of Gaia", "Consciousness" (both parts), "Inner Fullness", "Spiritual Migration", "Returning to the Source"