Conceptual depth, poetic insights, and a melodic but progressive metal core – Hermetic Sage delivers a multi-faceted new album, brought to life with equal parts contemporary programming and heartfelt intentions.
Beginning with Beneath Of It All, the album – The Alchemy of Truth – resounds as an inspiring ode to our similarities and connections as humans. The album’s concept is that of choosing to strive for truth in the modern world, connecting the power of knowledge with freedom and peace; something these stories intertwine with the wisdom of Sages from across cultures and history at large.
From the mellow introduction of a dreamy electric guitar riff and quiet contemplations, through fiercely anthemic builds and progressive choruses, the album utilises contrast quite masterfully – something that’s instantly alluring as the ethereal embrace of In Truth’s Arms pours into view.
The programmed aspect of the voice is ever familiar these days, but there’s a certain sense of character and leading emotion to this project that helps set it apart. The songs are complex and often vague, but several ideas pierce through regardless, and the musical eclecticism lets the entire album maintain its level of appeal, emotion, and dynamic.
We switch to a female voice for Whispers in the Wind, a notably more euphoric synth-set-up at the forefront, before the intense strings and distorted guitars of Seeker’s Light inject a degree of cinematic power and pace that’s unignorable. After this, the sudden acoustic strum and whistle of Pursuit of The Order is naturally intriguing – an unexpectedly stripped-back moment of reflection, which works well to offer a feeling of comfort and optimism at this crucial turning point.
From here we move into the emotional and inspiring Be Present – short lines that are accessible, directly address the listener amidst a piano-led arrangement that again resounds as its own style and story unique within the album.
At the penultimate moment, a deep and near operatic voice meets with a sense of atmospheric vastness and rising intensity, for the again mysterious poetic lines and ideas of Room of Shadows. This track gathers intense energy and weight as it progresses, and the escapism of its peak meets with the resounding uncertainty of the lyrics, before we fall back into the mellow ambient production of a thoughtful outro.
Wrapping things up, diversity reigns again – a Spanish-style acoustic fingerstyle guitar-line and intimate verse lyrics that rise and fall in a mainstream fashion. Timeless Embrace is something of an alt-pop medieval acoustic track, with a breathy choir of voices providing a soothing closing statement. These final moments provide music that is somewhat positive and hopeful as it brings the album to a melodic and memorable finish.
