Description
The Blueprint Dives is the fourth full-length studio album by the Norwegian metal band Extol, released in both Europe and the US on Century Media Records in 2005. The album was recorded by Børge Finstad at Top Room Studio in Lunner, Norway; with the band producing and arranging. Mixed by Tue Madsen at Antfarm in Aarhus, Denmark. All songs written by the band.
Featuring Peter Espevoll on lead vocals and acoustic guitar; Ole Halvard Sveen on acoustic and electric guitars, as well as vocals; Tor Glidje on acoustic and electric guitars; John Robert Mjåland on bass; and David Husvik on drums. The album also features Anders Salomon Lidal on synthesizer (tracks 2, 3, 4, 7, and 11); David Wallumrød on acoustic piano (tracks 3 and 6) and electric piano (track 8); and Magnus Westgaard on double bass (tracks 7 and 8).
This album marks a transition for Extol, from the Christian marketplace to the mainstream. It was released both in the mainstream, through Century Media, and in the Christian marketplace through Solid State – their next album will be solely released in the mainstream. Somehow I doubt that will affect their sales or their message/lyrics in a negative way at all, though. Century Media in fact claim that this is Extol’s heaviest album to date: wrong! Although heavier moments do happen, this album does as a whole feel much more melodic and radio friendly – highlight track «Pearl» best demonstrates this. In no way does this take anything away from the creativity and quality of this release, it simply demonstrates another dimension of this band – that perhaps die-hard fans may not be so keen on. With two members out and two new members in, Extol have taken the band to the point where you could debate whether they are still “metal” at all. I personally think they are but taking much more influence from the prog metal bands – as Fire Fly did on their last album. In fact comparisons with Fire Fly continue further, in terms of longevity and musical evolution – both too have musical creativity and individuality by the bucket load. Both come from somewhat thrash roots too, something that would not be noticeable on their latest albums. However, one thing Extol do much better is deal with the dark side of metal. They even do a couple of nods to their one-time tour mates, Opeth, on a few songs. Fire Fly almost definitely produced the 2005 British Hard Music Album Of The Year, whilst Extol produced the 2005 European Hard Music Album Of The Year – beating Blindside and Mammuth with relative ease. [Greg Sammons, Cross Rhythms, June 2006]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-blueprint-dives/1045108069)
CD tracklist:
01. Gloriana
02. Soul Deprived
03. In Reversal
04. Pearl
05. From The Everyday Mountain Top
06. Another Adam’s Escape
07. The Things I Found
08. Lost In Dismay
09. Essence
10. Void
11. The Death Sedative
Bonus Track:
12. Riding For A Fall
Video. Pearl (Video Clip Enhancement)
Note: Available at Bandcamp: https://extol.bandcamp.com/album/the-blueprint-dives
“Pearl” (MUSIC VIDEO)
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