Debut releases are weird; you never can know what you're going to get. Sometimes debut means one-man black metal who just discovered GarageBand. Debut can mean hidden talent of Lethbridge, Alberta unmasking themselves for a world unprepared. Or it can mean a group of already-established musicians getting together and deciding to try something new. So it is with U.K.-based Ark Ascent and Downfall, their debut release. Featuring Rogue Marechal (ex-Shadowkeep) on vocals, Andrea Arcangeli (DGM) on bass, and Michael Brush (Sirenia) on vocals, there's a whole bunch of talent here. One Jack Kirby rounds out the sound with guitar work that reminds me pleasantly of Mob Rules. Though Ark Ascent is billed as a progressive metal band, I tend to think of them as leaning more towards traditional heavy metal with touches of Kamelot-esque power metal in the form of synths and catchy riffing.
01 Arrival 02 Point Of No Return 03 Sanctuary 04 Darkest Hour 05 Farewell 06 Downfall 07 Ascension 08 Innocence Lost 09 The Aftermath 10 Closer To Heaven 11 The End Of Time