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Aeon Zen: Self Portrait (EP)

Progressive Metal

3.5/5.0

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Time Divide Records
by Craig Hartranft,  11.20.2013

Here's the skinny on Aeon Zen's new EP Self Portrait: it's four songs, re-arranged, re-recorded, and apparently renamed, from their debut album, A Mind's Portrait. When released on November 25 it will be as a digital download only and you can pay what you wish.

Aeon Zen:: in tight quarters.

Since I don't have Aeon Zen's first album, I had know why to discover which songs were reworked nor listen in comparison. Essentially, Self-Portrait is the band continuing and expanding upon their sound, which can be described as Muse meets Dream Theater with a touch of death vocals. Whether this was all necessary, will be in the ears of the listener. Perhaps the band had too much time on their hands in the past months, and this re-imagining of the olds songs seemed like a good idea at the time. The songs kind of run together, more like one song in four parts. But maybe that's the point. Nevertheless, if you like Aeon Zen, you'll like this little digital EP. I would encourage the faithful to pay something for this work, rather than go with first instinct and download it for free.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

The Self Portrait EP is Aeon Zen re-imagining four songs from their debut album for a 'pay-what-you-wish' digital download.

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