Prodigium : Frostbite
Prodigium
Frostbite
With the 3 tracks off The Prodigium Demos, the eponymous Malaysian instrumental metal quartet make a blistering debut in an ode to classic metal that’s imbued with delightfully modern sensibilities. Despite being touted as a collection of demos, Prodigium manages to work well with what they have, managing to mostly emulate the production of stoner metal bands of the 90s such as Kyuss. The result is a myriad of budding ideas that are explored with tasteful production as the band begins to take its first steps to establish their identity and sound.
Standout track Frostbite is a particularly strong testament to their potential, guiding the listener through a crushing 6-minute journey that explodes in all its low-end fuzzy glory. The track’s moderately lo-fi aesthetic gives it tons of character, as its pummelling sludgy riff work are interlaced with a slight prog influence. There isn’t a whole lot new here for veteran metal listeners to discover, but perhaps that isn’t a bad thing. Prodigium greatest strength here is that they don’t try to reinvent the wheel, but rather opt to take the best elements from their influences (such as Metallica and Opeth) to craft dynamically diverse sections that compliment each other, with its repeated motifs (be it heavy down-tuned riffing or its melancholically picked chords) lingering just long enough to form a lasting impression without overstaying their welcome. Frostbite is a monster of a track and rightfully the highlight off The Prodigium Demos.
The Prodigium Demos is a definite treat for metal fans and shows promise, and its exciting to think what else the band could do with their sound as they continue to work on their craft and inevitably hit the studio once again.
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