Indukti - S.U.S.A.R (2004)

Más rock polaco y del bueno. Este es un grán disco cercano al post-metal logrado de mezclar a Tool con King Crimson. Violines oníricos sobre densos riffs y una base tremenda, y encima la buena voz de Mariusz Duda para darle el broche final...

Artista: Indukti

Álbum: S.U.S.A.R
Año: 2004
Género: Metal progresivo / Post metal
Duración: 47:41
Nacionalidad: Polonia

Lista de Temas:
1. Freder
2. Cold Inside
3. No-11812
4. Shade
5. Uluru
6. No-11811
7. Weak
8. Mantra (Bonus track multimedia)

Alineación:
- Ewa Jablonska / violin
- Piotr Kocimski / guitars
- Maciek Adamczyk / bass
- Maciej Jaskiewicz / guitars
- Wawrzyniec Dramowicz / drums
With:
Anna Faber / harp
Mariusz Duda / vocals

S.U.S.A.R. es el álbum debut de esta banda polaca y por todos los lugares por donde se lo mire es excelente
Los artistas son de un nivel muy alto, muchos egresados de conservatorio y miembros de orquestas sinfónicas de primer nivel, que aquí juntan sus mentes para generar una propuesta totalmente diferente a la musica a la que uno está acostumbrado. No dejen pasar la oportunidad de escucharlo.

Un disco mayormente instrumental, con buenos ambientes. Si te gusta la música de King Crimson, Tool, Porcupine Tree y Riverside, entonces debes escuchar este álbum. Un disco muy interesante y experimental: riffs extraños, melodías étnicas y una oscura atmósfera misteriosa más los sonidos oníricos del violín recorren todo el álbum, dando un sabor exótico y oriental al álbum.

Todavía me acuerdo cuando escuche por primera vez el disco debut de estos polacos (S.U.S.A.R.) ahí al instante fue que me corrió un frió eléctrico por el cuerpo, texturandome con la típica piel de gallina y todo eso que trae aparejado dichas emociones… y que tanto disfrutamos y revindicamos los melómanitos cuando eso nos pasa. Y no era para menos ya que con solo el comienzo de “freder” me había bastado para darme cuenta que a esto había que prestarle atención. Pucha si tan solo con esos primeros minutos de “freder” y con apenas unos pocos trazos pintaron y me evocaron a unos Tool conservados en frasco Crimsonico, y un violín que si bien mete su cuota de ácido es inevitable que su función sea de pura melancolía. El dato que resalta y no es para menos es que Mariusz de Riverside (Riverside) aporto su estupenda voz.

MauroR

Un disco moderno y suficientemente lisérgico como para transportarte a otro mundo, algo fresco y nuevo que vuelve a reinvindicar a Polonia como uno de los lugares más interesantes en lo referente a rock progresivo sobretodo en lo que va del 2000 en adelante.

 Esta música tiene el poder de sumergir al oyente en un vasto océano tan armonioso como disonante e inquietante, hipnotizador, denso y poderoso, pero a su vez seductor aunque quizás se requiera de cierto tiempo para acostumbrar los oídos a su propuesta, sobre todo para las personas que gustan de los sonidos melodiosos del rock sinfónico. Pero la calidad de las composiciones es fascinante, cada tema crea una avalancha de densos sonidos que cada tanto es cortado por pasajes tranquilos y agradables, en completo contraste con el sonido predominantemente del disco.

Indukti es una de estas nuevas bandas de las que se viene oyendo hablar desde hace tiempo en el mundo del Prog. Musicalmente encaja a la perfección en la dirección que está tomando el Progressive Rock en los últimos años, este sonido más alternativo y llamativo para los oidos de la gente que no está acostumbrada a la música progresiva o que acaba de llegar a ella. A su vez, también incorpora multitud de influencias del Progressive Metal, lo cual le da más agresividad a la base atmosférica de Progressive Rock.
S.U.S.A.R. es un disco principalmente instrumental, no hay voces más que en un par de canciones y tampoco aparecen mucho en ellas. En parte, agradezco esta poca presencia de las voces, ya que por lo general no soy fan de los vocalistas del Progressive Rock, y el cantante de Indukti (que en realidad es un guest de la conocida banda Riverside) no es la excepción. No es una voz mala, pero no es una voz de las que me gustan, aunque me gusta algo más que la mayoría de las demás por su capacidad de llegar a tonos propios del Metal. Esto se hace presente en canciones como "Shade" o "Freder" en la que voz aporta una sensación agradable al conjunto de la canción, haciendolas dos de las mejores del disco.
Otra de las principales peculiaridades de S.U.S.A.R. es el violin. Este instrumento es uno de mis favoritos, con una versatilidad increible y que puede aportar a un disco cualquier sentimiento que se quiera plasmar. En este caso, el violin juega un aporte atmosférico y neoclásico en el disco, llenándolo de una melancolía que te puedes encontrar en muchos discos de Doom Metal. Además, el contraste que tiene con la pesadez que aporta la batería o las guitarras hace aún más variado el sonido del disco.
De entre las canciones que hay en el disco las más llamativas son: "Shade", por el buen papel que juega el cantante, asi como la pesadez metálica de la instrumentación. Otra excelente canción es "Freder", con un comienzo lento y atmosférico para, poco a poco, ir transformandose en una pieza profunda y pesada, casi de Doom Metal. Otra canción interesante es "Uluru", con un sonido bastante Avant-garde por parte del violin y muy grata para el oido. Y finalmente, la bonus track "Mantra" también es digna de atención.

AlexiLaiho09

Un disco muy recomendable, sobretodo para las personas que están constantemente en la búsqueda de las nuevas direcciones que va tomando la buena música.

Lean por favor los comentarios en inglés que les dejo ahora, y dénle más de una oportunidad a éste disco, van a ver que les va a ofrecer muchos momentos de placer musical y viajes.

“The music that is created by Indukti hypnotizes, paralyzes, does not let the listener get away from it, it entrances him. The pieces are long, well-structured and arranged skillfully. There are plenty of sounds generated by the variety of effects and forms of articulation all enriched by splendid expression and performance mastery. The overwhelming guitar sound, celestial rhythms, psychedelic violin…it all makes the listeners drawn into the magic musical world, makes them move around peculiar spaces within the maze of restless rhythms and imminent dusk.” – these words expressed by the band’s fans summarize the music of Indukti.
[from Indukti's website: www.indukti.art.pl]
“S.U.S.A.R.” is the debut album of the Polish band Indukti. For this review the original version has been used. The band released “S.U.S.A.R.” in Poland on the OFF Music label in September 2004. The good news is that this month The laser's Edge will release a new world edition (with a bonus video track of “Mantra”) of “S.U.S.A.R.” This also happened with the album “Out of myself” from the Polish band Riverside. There is a link between both bands. Mariusz Duda the singer of Riverside is guest on this album. Musically spoken both bands have an incredible power in their music. I did see Riverside live on stage and they just blow you away with their energy. That same feeling I had when I listened the first time to Indukti. The band recorded all instruments simultaneously in the studio to preserve the live vibe.
The second guest Anna Faber opens the album with her delicate harp sounds the track “freder”. Then the bass and the electric violin are giving a brooding atmosphere just before the whole band comes rolling in with incredible power. The band is working towards an incredible climax. Ewa Jablońska shines with her violin in this track that I would describe like a heavy mix of UK and King Crimson. Next track is called “cold inside ... I” in which Mariusz Duda proofs again (like he did on Riverside's album) that he is a great singer. The piece is more a atmospheric ballad with great melodic vocal lines. The connection to the next track “no. 11812” is made by the harp. The contrast between the delicate harp and the heavy character of Indukti's music is working very well. The first part has a lot of King Crimson (my favorite 1973 - 1974 period) influences. This develop into the heavy side of Indukti's own identity. You will be blown away by this piece ... the best King Crimson with a Eddie Jobson like violin solo in the end. After all this overwhelming power “shade” is giving you a little rest with the melodic vocal lines of Mariusz Duda and the arabic influences in the percussion and violin parts. But not for long ... the heavy guitars push the band again to the next climax. Maybe “uluru” can give us a little rest ... just forget it ... you are just in the middle of a heavy and aggressive mind blowing musical trip. The band hypnotizes the listener! And I must admit that I love it. Especially the 'screaming' electric violin. After some soundscapes and harp sounds the next track “no. 11811” opens with melodic violin parts that are put ontop of nice rhythm guitars. This first part remembers me of the work of the Japanese band Outer Limits. The melodic violin of Takashi Kawaguchi also sounded often romantic. But in the heavy second part the violin sounds more like the violin of David Cross (King Crimson) or Jerry Goodman (Mahavishnu Orchestra). This amazing album ends with the track “... and weak II”. Again an up-tempo mind blowing heavy piece with aggressive guitars and violin solos. The only band I didn't mentioned so far for using as a reference is the early Anekdoten. This closing track ends with distorted guitar and violin sounds before the harp closes this album. When you have listened to this album you will, like me, be exhausted.
Listening to “S.U.S.A.R.” the debut album of Polish band Indukti is an overwhelming experience. You can hear that some of the musicians of Indukti have a classical background. The music is complex with abrupt rhythm breaks and the tension of the compositions is often working towards a climax. The contrast with the delicate harp and the melodic vocal parts are very welcome. It is almost too much, too hectic. But if you like passionate heavy prog with the electric violin as a solo instrument, this is your album. I feel completely blown away by this band.

Douwe Fledderus

This effort is impressive, to say the least. When I first heard this record I cursed all those who should have recommended it to me earlier! Indukti is a Polish prog metal band with a twist: excellent compositions that are simultaneously technical and ethereal. As an added bonus, they have a violin, which adds a surprising amount of fine texture to the already thick compositions.
The album starts with the instrumental rocker 'Freder', a track that establishes the band's technical prowess as well as their ear for structure. 'Cold Inside' introduces the guest vocalist from Riverside. His vocals are good overall, but they aren't what they could be. Honestly I would favor them more if they were less plentiful and less present in the mix. The melody is a nice addition, but I think the violin already provides plenty of it. 'No. 11812' is another brilliant instrumental that flows through several complex changes. The next track is another one I feel I would like better without vocals. The singer's voice reminds me too much of a Creed-era alt rock band on this one. 'Uluru' is yet another fine instrumental piece featuring some really incredible work from all the instrumentalists, particularly the violin and bass. Some of the most interesting and complicated violin work I have ever heard is contained in the track 'No. 11811' (though I don't pretend to be any sort of expert on violin music). The final track is also excellent.
This is a fantastic debut from this band, who should appeal to all fans of prog metal, particularly Tool fans, as well as fans of psychedelic/space rock. The one major flaw with this album in my opinion is the inclusion of any vocalist. Brilliant instrumental bands should realize what they've got and not ruin it with a mediocre singer or uninspired lyrics. This album is not absolutely essential, but is quite excellent, and I look forward to hearing more from this band!

Chris

NDUKTI isa Prog-Metal band?Then I'm a Prog-Metal die-hard fan!!! :-))) OK,don't know about Metal,but there's as much Prog as you can imagine!!!A bombastic mixture of early ANEKDOTEN with TOOL gave a bit predictable but fine result - one of the best releases from the year 2005!!!God,I love Poland!!!I'm so jealous - we're neighbours,but there's something wrong with Ukrainian Prog scene,because there's no one AT ALL :-( !!! OK,back to INDUKTI - superb musicianship,"live-at-the-studio" record,huge potential and unquestionable talent(the only flaw is lame cover artwork).I want some more from them!!!Highly recommended!!!

Igor Sidorenko

This is one of the best records I have heard in some time. I just am having trouble expressing in words what my ears have heard. Often when a new band comes upon the scene and everybody is raving about them, it's all hype. You finally get the record and you wonder what the fuss was all about, the expectations were too high. Well I can asure you this Polish band surpassed my expectations and then some.
The first song "Freder" starts softly with some gentle harp (is there any other kind ?) then around the two minute mark they start to kick in.THEY'VE KICKED IN ! Big time ! Then the violin comes in, then they back off, then they kick in again ! The violin plays over the heavy drums and guitar. Absolutely loving it ! "Cold Inside" is a beautiful dreamy song with acoustic guitars and the amazing warm voice of RIVERSIDE's Duda. Great song !
"No-11812" is an instrumental. Scorching guitar with drums out front and heavy, and lots of great violin play. "Shade" features Duda again, and you can't help but be reminded of RIVERSIDE. "Uluru" is bone crushingly heavy, I love the combination of bass guitar and drums with some great guitar lines thrown in the mix topped off with a hefty dose of violin. "No-11811" is another fantastic instrumental. We're not worthy ! Next up is "Weak", the longest track and part 2 of the second song "Cold Inside". I like the bass playing on this one and it ends as the record opened with some harp melodies.
This is a masterpiece, i'm so impressed. Bravo !

John Davie

Inspired septet that carves chunks of molten rock while carefully balancing under a delicate chamber duo.. and they do something else, they make it work. Finally someone has made a heavy metal record that is both truly metal and truly progressive (though many would argue it is neither). Not to mention pristinely recorded, intricately arranged, and laced throughout with lovely passages of harp (Anna Faber), violin (Ewa Jablonska) and the rivet-tight rhythms of Maciek Adamczyk (bass) and Wawrzyniec Dramowicz (drums). But lest we forget this is a metal band, the guitars of Piotr Kocimski and Maciej Jaskiewicz bring us back into the fight as this Polish dreadnaught smashes its way to the front of the Progmetal stage and pushes a much-maligned genre forward. Some Tool, some Crimson, a dash of Riverside and a drop or two of NeBeLNeST - though not as vocal-oriented as most of those groups - and you've got yourself a scrumptious meal that will fill you up and warm your tummy.
I've been Indukted, and I think you should be an Induktee, too...

David

Now, I am not generally what you would call a metal fan. When I do listen to metal, it's usually a classic like Black Sabbath, or Iron Maiden. So, when someone told me I had to check out INDUKTI, I was skeptical. However, since I was going to be seeing them live, I felt obligated. Oh what a pleasant surprise. Of course there was a chance I was going to like it, but I never expected to absolutely love it.
This band is heavy, and can blow your eardrums out, but they are also capable of the most delicate beauty. The most obvious reason for this is the fact that they have a violinist. But, that is not the only explanation. This group is made up of excellent musicians, and the compositions are extremely well crafted. The music can take you from a speed metal jam-out to a bit of quiet melancholia, and you won't even flinch. It is all on the dark side, but there is a beautiful poignancy in much of it. Complexity is also a key factor. They could hold their own with many of my Symphonic faves. Just to mix things up, there are also a few Middle-Eastern sounds thrown in here and there. But, I guess you would have to say that it is indicative of the current Eastern European prog scene. I don't know what's going on over there, but it's inspiring some great music (especially in Poland).
The only downside is that it does get a bit repetitive at times. I say, so what? This is one album that could be put on continuous repeat, and I wouldn't mind. It's a fantastic debut, and has me very exited to see what they will do on the follow up. Honestly, this is a 4.5 star album. My policy is to round up, so it gets five.

H.T. Riekels

"S.U.S.A.R" is the debut full-length studio album by Polish progressive rock act Indukti. The album was released through the independent label Off the Records in September 2004, but saw an international release through The Laser's Edge in September 2005. Indukti was originally founded under the Vein monicker, but changed their name to Indukti in 1999. They´ve released a demo and a couple of independent EPs before the release of this album.
The music on the album is predominantly instrumental prog rock with slight metal leanings. The metal elements are reduced to the occasional power chord metal riff section, so it´s not a dominant part of the band´s music. In that respect Indukti reminds me of another contemporary Polish act in Riverside who also plays progressive rock with occassional use of more metal oriented riffing. Riverside frontman Mariusz Duda guests on "S.U.S.A.R" which further enhances the validity of that comparison. To my ears the tracks where Mariusz Duda guests, which are "Cold Inside...I" and "Shade", could more or less have been Riverside tracks, while the predominantly longer instrumental tracks, which make out the rest of the 7 track, 47:43 minutes long album, all feature moments that sound similar to Riverside´s sound but it´s on those tracks where Indukti begins to show some of their own identity. The album features a dark mood throughout and it´s generally a very atmospheric release.
Indukti´s lineup includes a violinist in Ewa Jablonska (in addition to "regular" rock instrumentation of guitars, bass, and drums) who has a big part in creating the band´s sound. The rest of the band are very well playing too though and the interplay between the band members is generally on a very high level. "S.U.S.A.R" features a well sounding production too, and upon conclusion it´s through and through a high quality album. The music could maybe have prospered from a slightly more personal sound, and with that in mind the choice to include Duda as a guest vocalist probably wasn´t the wisest choice if the band didn´t want Riverside comparisons thrown at them, but everything else on this album screams quality, and therefore a 3.5 - 4 star (75%) rating isn´t all wrong.

UMUR

One of the best heavy albums I have ever heard.
S.U.S.A.R. is at this time Indukti's only album, but boy does it deliver! The style found here is very different from other bands in the same genre, mainly because they have managed to marry classical and metal. Here's the real kicker: It's actually good!
From the moment I heard the opening of the first track all the way until the final note on the album died away, I was never bored, preoccupied or unimpressed. Few bands can entrance me so, but Indukti has done it with this release. If it ends up being their only work, well then they can be proud of what they have accomplished, and will most likely go down in history much like Anglagard for accomplishing so much with so little content.
This record single-handedly turns heavy rock onto its head and never shies away from the fact that it is different. In fact, Indukti seem to wave this oddball flag proudly, unafraid to compose nearly ten- minute-long epics already on their first studio effort. That takes guts, but what is more, it takes talent to pull it off as well as they have.
The vocals heard here (when they are present) are much more like tribal chanting than actual song melodies, but don't let that discourage you. In fact, this aspect strengthens the record significantly. The guitar playing here is simple but exact, with some truly hypnotizing rhythm patterns a la Meshuggah's Marten Hagstrom, and some truly random, out-of-this-world soloing that is reminiscnent of Adam Jones. The drums are very good as well, helping keep that mystic, celtic feel to the music with truly terrific tribal pounding. The bass is fair, and really pops when the rest of the instruments take breathers, but is possibly the weakest aspect of the traditional line-up.
Now, for the aspect that truly makes Indukti unique: In addition to the traditional rock instruments, there is also a violin and a harp that accompanies the electric playing. My oh my, how wonderfull this makes the music. It is THE most crucial element, because frankly without these classical instruments present, the music would not be nearly as impressive to me. However, when paired up against the heavy sounds, these lighter string instruments truly enhance the experience by a factor of ten. While the rhythm guitar may be pounding away without mercy, the violin may be playing something much more soothing overtop of it, giving the music a weird sort of balance that actually magaes to compliment the other. Any time you match up two so distinctivly different instruments like that, you rjun the risk of possibly cancelling each other out, but that does not happen anywhere on this record, and it is fortunate, since this is what really makes everything work out the best way it possibly could.
Revolutionary, inspiring, memorable and magical, among other things, S.U.S.A.R. by Indukti will stay with me forever.
Happy Listening.

J. Locke

Quite evil... quite evil indeed...
With contemporaries Riverside emerging into the prog scene not long before it seemed pretty clear now the Polish prog scene was going to look. Their dark and malevolent albums no doubt set some kind of bar and Indukti would have no trouble matching the standards that had been set. With their debut album, SUSAR, Indukti seems pretty bent to make sure that Polish prog-metal remains as dark and scary as possible. While this is quite removed from the Riverside style they're still but a stone's throw away when it all boils down. Granted, this album is primarily instrumental and it has a very different feel to it, but in general we're still dealing with heavy progressions, dark riffs and a generally evil ambiance.
It's quite hard to describe the music on this album, but that's one of the things that makes it so fun to listen to. The songs range from brooding instrumentals characterized by fast and heavy guitar sections backed by violin parts such as the eastern flavored opener Freder to slow and brooding song-songs which feature (appropriately enough) Riverside vocalist, Mariusz Duda, who manages to give the songs even more depth. Mariusz appears on the two part song (the longest of the bunch) Cold Inside...I, and ...And Weak II which features slower parts in the first section and mad violins and destructive riffs in the second part. Also of note is the other two parter on the album, No. 11812 starts off slowly and has a mean bass riff shrouded in chimes, the song later explodes as it comes to a blistering guitar finished, which is later followed up on with No. 11811. This one feels a bit more 'out in space' but still features some mean bass playing and even more heavy guitar riffs.
Uluru is one of the few stand-alone tracks on the album, and man does it rock. This one features that wonderful and crazy violin with that ever pressing guitar underneath and the grumbling bass gets pulled along for the ride. Heavy riffs pull into the end to top it all off. One of the biggest standouts on the album!
When it comes right down to it, if you're looking for incredibly heavy and dark music you're in the right subgenre, that's for sure. Indukti have really made a slash with their debut album and if you're wanting a sea of heavy instrumental music to wade around in, don't look any further. This one is going to have to get 4 stars, and excellent album for those in need of dark and evil music.

Patricia O'Bee

Very nice album. I downloaded after reading reviews here and listening to the sample mp3. I was not disappointed. The first listen was a musical feast, delightful to the senses, so many different colors to behold, woven together nicely. I would have given it 5 stars that night without reservation.
To summarize the sound, it's an almost-instrumental (Riverside's Mariusz Duda provides vocals on some of the songs, more textural for than lyric for the most part) post-metal sound that includes harp and violin to quite good effect. Heavier than Riverside (and I actually like the guitar tone and mix better here than on Riverside's albums) but sharing the sense of texture and mood.
For those who enjoy metal, this is perhaps the best metal instrumental album I know of. It's great to put on some good headphones and just immerse yourself in the soundscapes. However, the songs themselves don't distinguish from each other very much, and after repeated listenings, the album loses a little bit. There are some new things to discover, but this is not a classic prog album that takes multiple listens to even comprehend and continues to surprise for many more.
As a result, I still enjoy this album alot. I have specific tracks (Freder and Uluru) on several playlists, and recommend it without reservation. The 4 star definition (Excellent addition to any prog collection) fits it well.
Good job to Indukti, I look forward to the next one, hoping for a few surprises.

Jay Brieler

Harp and violin's rockowy metal.
INDUKTI, a sharp-edged progressive star from Poland, their sound style is not only heavy but, I think, also has an atmosphere from far east (for me in Japan, a native one). Especially please listen to the second track Cold Inside...I. Double guitars by Piotr and Maciej can hear like petals of cherry fallen here and there. Of course Ewa's whispering voice is like the sidewind against the tree. Freder is so fantastic with Anna's brilliant harp in the beginning, and the latter heavy part is absolutely exotic and Oriental... The voice's from faraway place I always feel. Another point of this band is, whatever should be said, psychedelic and squeaky violin sounds I wanna say. With a beautiful harp on the other side, INDUKTI's sound storm should be constructed perfectly on East Europe and be shot toward all over the world.
They can let us proggers know another theory of Polish progressive rock. Great work.

Keishiro Maki

Indukti ? SUSAR 4/5 stars
A very interesting package.
This debut album feels like it's done by a bunch of high profile veterans, but this is not the case. The album can easily be described as having its heavy roots in Tool, as well as the atmosphere, but more along the lines of Riverside, in which it's vocalist also provides on two tracks. The cello gives the album a more celestial and psychedelic feels combined with some oriental drumming and some hypnotic bass lines, so in other words, this is a very good mix of instruments and brand of music. Most of the album is fairly heavy, but there are some soft tracks with ambient soundscapes. The one thing in common with all the tracks is an 'ethnic' feel when all the instruments intertwine.
This album has given birth to a new sound, which Indukti is the sole owner of.

Rob

There's something magical in first two minutes of Freder, these arabic like melodies. Oriental things always charmed mind of westerners. In fact, these traits return soon after tech metal introduction in said time.
That's first track, six more remain. Truth is, that this interesting flavour, not so usual melody and harmony is present through all songs (as far as I can tell). Good thing for me, that it's not just brutal assault on your ears, betting all chances on that you'll be overwhelmed by it and in your ecstasy, you'll forgive, or won't hear in this sound mess at all, big void of innovation. Yes, I'm follower of theory, that you can gain more with theory of precise sound with extreme as one of the flavours, not main ingredient. Also, ambient like sound is here. So different from their latest release and
5(-) so better. I know, it's not tech/extreme. Their second album could be, but this one mix together all things in correct rate. And again, I have to say, that melody is not a crime, when music doesn't depend solely on it.

Marty McFly

A beautifully recorded album of powerful songs from the realms of heavier prog yet there is often an atmospheric and even sensitive feel to the music's sound--which is what keeps me interested and engaged. I attribute a lot of my interest and satisfaction to the work of the violin. There are a lot of times that I'm reminded of RIVERSIDE while listening to this album--especially when there are vocals going on. The major detractor from my overall enjoyment of this album is that every song has too much similarity in sound, pace, and style.

Drew Fisher

Indukti's debut album is a very capable piece of progressive metal which appears to take a lot of inspiration from Porcupine Tree's inspired entry into the genre on In Absentia - right down to the spacey, dreamlike vocals contributed by Mariusz Duda - and with the brilliant violin work of Ewa Jablonska adding a startling and unique dimension to their sound. Whilst prog bands of yesteryear were often fond of incorporating instrumentation beyond the typical rock group drums, guitar, bass, vocalist and optionally keyboard (as indeed are many modern post-rock groups), it always struck me as a bit of a shame that more prog metal groups didn't have any atypical instruments as permanent fixtures in their sound; here, Indukti buck that trend marvellously.

W. Arthur

SUSAR is the perfect progressive instrumental album. I say this, of course, in complete irony based around the fact that there are vocals on this record, but I feel that is one of the many things that add to make this such a great album instrumentally. Ever since progressive rock first cropped up in the late 60's, we have had bands trying their hand at a fully-instrumental variant of the style, to mixed results. Without the vocals, instrumental albums needed something to help the music flow, to give it a narrative, and they regularly flocked towards wacky sounding keyboards and solo duels to do the trick, which rarely worked. Quite frankly, instrumental albums, especially in a genre like progressive rock, completely bore me. There are exceptions, especially when it begins to border on post-rock, a genre known for its ability to stay afloat without vocals, but prog instrumental albums tend to lean so hard towards uncontrolled instrumental wankery, and because there is no room for the instrumentals to be subdued (because there are no vocals to support), the music loses all sense of melody and restraint and floats into nothingness.
And although the last 20 years have seen the invention and spread of progressive metal, instrumental albums in the style haven't got much better. In fact, one could argue that they've got even worse. Before SUSAR's release there was Liquid Tension Experiment, possibly the most indulgent and wanky group in existence, and after it we have the influx of "djent" and "tech metal" - with Blotted Science and all those legions of kids in their bedrooms making some of the most lifeless and coldly technical music I have ever heard. So could instrumental prog ever really exist as anything more than wanky garbage? Well, yes, it did. Briefly, as Indukti's debut record, SUSAR. SUSAR is, above all, an insanely unique release. It's a 75% instrumental album that features long instrumentals and brief vocal-led tracks (as opposed to the other way around which is the norm), it contains no keyboards (thank god), it flirts between the lines of progressive rock and metal, and is risen above mediocrity by two things - the guest voice of Riverside's Mariusz Duda, and the incredible violin of Ewa Jabłońska.
Mariusz is on three tracks here, although one of those is a very minimal contribution, and his voice acts as such a great break from the jamming instrumental onslaught of the longer tracks. Instead of using instrumental tracks as breaks like many vocal-based prog bands do, Indukti use Mariusz to create some pretty great, lower key music between the long songs. "Cold Inside" is the first of the two vocal track, which essentially feels like a softer Riverside track with a touch more folk, from the violin, and what I believe is a sitar (I could be wrong). While the song could have transitioned better from the opener, it definitely feels like the first vocal part of an immense epic - which "Freder" was the overture for. "Shade", the second vocal track, is definitely a far stronger song, and would probably be my favourite on the album if it weren't so short. Unlike "Cold Inside", it feels like far less of an interlude, and contains some great heavy riffs and tribal- like percussion that call Tool to mind. And to add to that, the "I TRULY AM THE SAME" hook line is one of Mariusz' best, ever.
Then there's the rest of the album - five songs, all longer than six minutes, and aside from some tribal wailing on "Freder", entirely instrumental. All of these pieces have such great energy flowing through them, and you can tell that a lot of them came about through hours of jamming together, because they all are so keyed in to what each instrument is doing and where the passage is gone. The guitars, bass and drums here are all relatively straight - we don't get huge wanky 42-note-per-second solos on this album, instead Indukti go for a very Tool- influenced, riff-heavy variant of prog metal jamming, and it makes for much better listening. Without wanky solos and without a keyboard player to splice in cheese, Indukti could play like this for hours and I wouldn't get bored. But all of this is accentuated and brought to life by the violin. Acting in the way a lead guitar would in this situation, the violin brings the melody, the contrast, the brightness, the intensity, and nearly makes this record on its own. With the melody being carried so wonderfully up high, the rest of the instruments can focus on rhythm, and there are some mighty fine rhythms in this album. A lot of the heavy guitars, and the way they jam them for long periods of time without reliance on a vocalist, remind me of sludge and post-metal bands like Isis and Neurosis. The metal guitars are thick and crunchy, but they know how to develop linearly, and aren't all-heavy-all-the-time, which is something those post-metal bands mastered in the early 2000's.
But, I must admit, the album does falter a little bit in the second half, and I think this is strengthened by the fact that Mariusz doesn't show up for the last 24 minutes. The best track out of the final three is probably "And Weak", the second part of "Cold Inside", but most of that is heavily relying on the melody of the former, and with the vocals missing, it doesn't feel quite as powerful. Both "Uluru" and "No 11811" are solid tracks, but aren't anywhere near as memorable as the first two instrumentals, especially since they essentially do the same thing. "Uluru", as the name suggests, has an interesting inclusion of a didgeridoo (something that groups like Tool have always been partial to), and although it's certainly a cool noise, it does feel a tad gimmicky, especially when it goes full gargle-mode in the middle of the song. The length of these pieces does seem to be a bit of a factor too, considering that long instrumental jams to tend to shift towards wank as they go along, and some parts of the last three tracks do lose the cohesion a bit.
I have to admit that this album is a bit of a missed opportunity, and there are a shockingly low number of bands playing this kind of music, but at the same time this could easily get very boring very fast. Aside from some hiccups, SUSAR is strong album from start to finish, taking the instrumental side of some of Tool's longer jams, throwing a violin all over it, bringing in some sludgy riffing, and having one of the 21st century's best vocalists sing a couple of tracks to keep it in check. Essential listening to check out, and if anyone wants instrumental prog metal that isn't wanky garbage, this is possibly the finest example.

Gallifrey

Indukti is one of the many prog bands emerging from Poland during the last years. The first time I read something about Indukti was from this page. After the first listen I immediately purchased the album. This is the form of extreme tech metal I really enjoy. All members are great musicians and the songs (most instrumental) are superb. The most distinctive influences are those of Tool, but overall Indukti sound a lot different. The vocal lines of Mariusz Duda (of Riverside) remind of his band somehow, though they generally are more experimental. This is one of the best prog releases in 2005. Favourite tracks: "Freder", "Uluru", "No-11811".

DeKay

Here is an album that completely took me by surprise after I ordered it a couple of years ago from The Laser's Edge. It was a "gamble" album, purchased on the basis of the sample track I heard (I think it was "Shade") and I have to say, that gamble has paid off enormously.
This album is one of my all time favourite records and I cannot praise it highly enough. This is the most balanced, consistent and overall nearest thing to musical perfection that I've ever heard. I thoroughly enjoy every track and never feel the need to skip any full or partial tracks to get to something better. There are no throwaway or filler tracks, just a solid offering of individual parts that all seem equally as important as one another in the process of forming this magical whole.
There are a couple of intriguing aspects regarding my love for this record. Firstly, I don't normally like the violin so to be so enamoured by an album that features this instrument so prominently is rather odd. Secondly, I don't normally trust debut records to be particularly strong, as I think a band takes time to find their groove. Finally, I'm very hard to please at the best of times when it comes to music and I find it extremely hard to give an album a perfect score. Even some albums that I consider masterpieces have moments that I could skip over, but tend to endure them because the overall journey of the album is the most important thing.
Indukti have managed to completely bugger my theories or beliefs up with this record, proving to me that the violin can be enjoyable, band's can create brilliance at their first attempt, and an album can contain nothing but greatness in every track.
The overall mood of S.U.S.A.R is a serious one and the way it so innocently begins is just a facade for the dark and moody energy that is to explode shortly thereafter (recurring again throughout the album at different times). A track like "Uluru" maintains a cracking pace only slowing down at the end, while others such as the opener "Freder", or "No.11812" ebb and flow with tranquillity and rage in equal measure.
One of the interesting aspects of "Uluru" is that it features a didgeridoo, an instrument used by the Aborigines, the native owners of Uluru. This is interesting to me because Indukti is a Polish band and I'm surprised they would even know about Australian aborigines, let alone write a song about a most revered and treasured Aboriginal icon.
For the briefest of moments, the beginning of "No.11811" actually reminds me of "Mystery Train" by Transatlantic, but then the seriousness kicks in and I'm relieved that it's not a happy sounding song like "Mystery Train" is. There is simply no place for happy vibes on this record ? but ironically, the feeling it gives me is pure joy.
There are aggressive riffs, some phenomenally raw and energetic drumming, and the bass sounds wonderful in the mix. Most of the album is instrumental, although Mariusz Duda of Riverside provides vocals on three tracks ? "Freder", "Cold inside...I" and "Shade." His dry delivery reminds me of Shane Howard from an Australian band called Goanna (who aren't prog and this is probably the first time they've even been mentioned on this site, as I doubt anyone outside of Australia would've heard of them).
Of course, as mentioned earlier, the violin plays a prominent role on this album but rather than agitate, it provides a nice contrast to the more aggressive sounds. It seems to be used more as a vehicle for taking the listener into a calm state, before the storm hits...and I just love a good storm!
The final track "...and Weak II" is a journey in itself, from calm to sonic rage and back again. It is so incredibly beautiful and sums up the album brilliantly with the many different shapes it takes over its nine and a half minute duration.
The only thing I might criticise is the bland album cover, but the music within more than makes up for this.
I absolutely adore this record and I cannot wait for Indukti's follow up, "Idmen" (the first track, available on their Myspace page sounds incredible). Bring it on!
For now though, S.U.S.A.R rates five very deserving stars!

Captain Ragamuffin

This album is pretty freaking amazing. Riverside's singer helps out on a couple of tracks, but most of this album is instrumental. If you like Tool, Riverside, King Crimson or Anekdoten you should like this album a lot. It strongly features the violin and mixes that with LOUD guitars and the harp. If this sounds like a crazy mix...somehow Indukti makes it all flow into a very tasty crazy mix. Also, I don't find this album to be derivative at all. They have managed to come up with a very original sound in my opinion. I am very much looking forward to their next album.

Doug L.

I've only recently heard this band on a ROIO from a certain Progressive Rock Festival and the performance and composition I thought were very high indeed. Blew me away actually. Frankly this band rocks very powerfully and beautifully. A metal band that do not sacrifice subtlety for power. Not many of those are there? When they fire the guns the blast is there and some but there are moments of beauty not just in the quieter delicate moments but during the powerful and strong rhythms courtesy of some exquisite violin playing providing melodies that are unique and strong. Clearly integral to the sound.
Logically compared to the 72- 74 Crimson they succeed where Fripp thought KC might have failed in that he said a "violin is not an instrument of heavy metal." Well opinions differ there of course, but after the pioneering classical metal of Crimson there is now Indukti who have moved this genre on and really ensured the violin is not just an adjunct to the rest of the band. It's integral to the music and sound.
I am not familiar with Riverside, whose singer guests on this album. In fact after learning there was a singer I was a bit concerned. Here is a band that functions best without a singer. Or at least, so far. Still the guest singer does fine enough, no complaints at all. The tracks are somewhat uniform in that it really is an instrumental concept album, a cohesive effort. So therefore it has certain characteristics that provide that identity. The album does have a powerful climax and is really well paced. It's also well produced and a great listen.
My only gripe with S.U.S.A.R. is the album is a mere 47 minutes long and frankly if there is music as interesting and compelling as this I would hope for a longer second album. It's too short!
Well no chance of this becoming a mainstream household name but Indukti should thrive on their own terms anyway. This album I thought was phenomenal and I can hardly wait for the second. I do think it's important to note that it's not easy for rock bands to be totally original. They have influences as do everyone but Indukti build a unique platform based on those influences to be an entity in their own right.
And I know they can also play in concert, really superb. . Well done. Now that's what I call progressive.
So, onto the rating. If there was some more instrumental variety, classical guitar for example I would give it five. But it's damn near essential. Probably 4 1/2 stars but I can't be mean, not on something that really hit home so decisively. Besides on its own terms its spot on so any wishful thinking on my part is irrelevant to my rating it anything lower than what I have.

uduwudu

Excellent! Indukti gives me what i'm really hungry for, music food with spices of Crimson (Red and Thrak) and Tool. Power food that fills me and still makes me hungry for more! Hoping for any live release (CD and DVD) and a 2nd release soon. THANK YOU from the U.S.!

Dave Dates

Y vamos a dejar en estos días el segundo y hasta ahora último disco de la banda para que también lo disfruten.