Band: Dummo Album: Seasons in a Dry Age Label: Acid Victim Records Rating: 7.5/10 Website: http://www.dummomusic.com BUY NOW!

"Seasons in a Dry Age" is the first release by Florida's Dummo. The group did a swell job for their first release. The said album is an eclectic mix of classic heavy metal and progressive rock. The five-piece band uses a variety of means to create melody such as keyboards, acoustic guitar, and melody-laden leads. They also make good use of singer Brian "Pipes" Collins' rich vocals. Pipes mostly sings at a medium range, but does bust out the occasional ripping wail. His normal singing voice brings to mind Quorthon of Bathory, but in a totally different context. Multitasking member, Justin Shaw gives Pipes a helping hand with backing vocals. In some places, these backing vocals harmoniously combine, making for a compelling listen. While in other spots, a combination of voices comes together for a group chant, which fuses the music with energy. Musically, the group goes through a number of transitions, playing a variety of tempos and chord progressions, ranging from chugging breakdowns to old school gallops to melodic acoustic guitar leads in to traditional heavy metal ringing chords. "Seasons of a Dry Age" is a solid listen through and through, but certain parts grab my attention more than others do. Not that the other parts aren't worth listening to, it's just that these other parts seem to stick out in my mind. For instance, "Pedagogue" ends on a powerful note. The band's vocals rise like an ocean tide and move with impetus through speedy riffs, ending the track in a glorious crescendo. The following track "The Embrace of Pharamonah-a. Out of Oblivion" is an excellent exhibition of musical prowess with the band performing a number of duel guitar harmonies, an atmospheric keyboard break, and more harmonized vocals play to the tune of a folksy, acoustic guitar. "Moleman" shows the band at its peak. This track features a great vocal hook powered by a doomy, fist-clenching riff, technical breaks, Maiden type leads, and more prog rock keys. Dummo first caught my attention with the track "Moleman" on the AcidVictim Records compilation. While that track is the band's best material, the rest of the album doesn't betray the sound on this track, making for a good listen. Dummo isn't one of those bands that can only write one good song as a single to get buyers to purchase their disc, while the rest of the album sucks. No, this album is solid throughout. Fans of traditional metal and progressive rocks give this one a listen. Darren Cowan Back to Reviews