Perduratum – Exile’s Anthology – EP Review

Artist: Perduratum

Album Title: Exile’s Anthology

Label: Independent Release

Date of Release: 10 October 2020

Now here’s a nice little find for those of us who have a penchant for progressive metal. That find comes in the form of Perduratum, a Mexican quintet who came to life last year and who bring us their debut studio release. Entitled ‘Exile’s Anthology’, this is a four track EP that offers us an insight into the musical vision of Perduratum.

The first thing to say is that this isn’t an EP that will blow you away if you’re looking for originality. The biography is awash with information about the musicians’ influences, and there are no prizes for guessing that members of Dream Theater, Haken, Pagan’s Mind, and Distorted Harmony feature most prevalently. You see, the four tracks here are a blend of the more ‘classic’ style of progressive metal, alongside a solid dose of the more modern ‘djent’-infused prog. As such, it doesn’t contain much in terms of surprises or forays into leftfield. But, what the four songs do demonstrate is a band with some talent and, if they are able to grow and discover their own true identity, they could be a big name in the scene in years to come.

Out of the blocks first comes ‘Anachrony’ and I have to say that, for an intro it is utterly beautiful. The piano melody and building synth atmospherics around it are stunning. In a way, I actually wish the intro could have been longer and perhaps developed into a proper track. But instead, it is replaced with ‘Asumption’ that flies out of the blocks with real energy and enthusiasm. Big, chunky riffs battle with layers of synths from Edgar Butanda to create a big sound, whilst there is clear evidence of significant technical ability thanks to some of the flourishes that appear. The melodies are pleasant, and it is really nice to hear the bass rumble of Ahijado with some clarity.

As with much prog music, the vocalist is likely to make or break the music for you. Diego Cholula has a higher-pitched voice that can be a little much at the very top end. However, his ability and delivery is generally good, not letting the heavy material down.

‘Abyss’ Anatomy’ is where the real djent influences come to the fore, evidenced from the very beginning within what is a very busy affair. I think it has much to do with the production, but there’s a lot going on within the composition, so it needs a few spins to see the wood for the trees, so to speak. Occasionally, Cholula gets a little lost within the instrumentalism but nevertheless, there is some really nice melody to be heard, and the song does work, benefitting from a pronounced break from the heaviness at the mid-way mark. Some of the lead guitar work from James Ponce is incredible on this track, too, but I could have done without the break-down in the latter part of the track.

And finally, on what is a brief 20-minute affair, we’re left with ‘A Misunderstanding’. The afore-mentioned influences liberally litter the track, right from the start, and I find myself picking out moments that remind me of this band, or that. However, it would take a brave person to suggest that the track isn’t enjoyable in spite of this. It features some of the best melodies on the EP, arguably the best all-round performances, including from drummer Aruh.

Ok, so ‘Exile’s Anthology’ isn’t going to change the world, but it is early days for a band that clearly has the talent and desire to succeed at a high level within prog circles. If the band continues to work hard on their craft and can carve out a niche for themselves through a touch more originality, there’s no reason Perduratum can’t have the success that they seek. Worth checking out.

The Score of Much Metal: 79%