Finnish progressive metal outfit Wheel takes a decidedly darker turn on their latest album, “Charismatic Leaders.” Shedding some of the melodic flourishes of their previous releases, the band crafts a more aggressive and conceptually focused effort that tackles themes of media manipulation and societal control.
Right from the opening track, “Empire,” Wheel establishes a sense of unease. The song is a whirlwind of churning guitars, James Lascelles’ signature growled vocals, and a sense of paranoia that permeates the entire album. The lyrics, “Burrowing deeper / Desperate to engage / And we rise to it / Feeding on the hate inside,” set the stage for Wheel’s scathing indictment of social media and its ability to manipulate and exploit.
While “Charismatic Leaders” is undeniably heavier than its predecessors, the band hasn’t abandoned melody entirely. Tracks like “Porcelain” showcase a more nuanced approach, with soaring vocals and intricate guitar work providing a welcome respite from the album’s overall intensity. The drumming throughout the album is particularly impressive, with Santeri Saksala shifting effortlessly between pummeling blasts and intricate fills.
The album’s centerpiece is arguably “The Freeze,” a sprawling seven-minute epic that takes the listener on a journey through various musical textures. The song starts with a melancholic piano intro before exploding into a maelstrom of djent riffs and soaring guitar leads. A particularly beautiful moment occurs midway through the track, where the band plays with silence, creating a sense of anticipation before launching into a heart-stopping guitar solo.
“Charismatic Leaders” isn’t without its flaws. The album’s focus on aggression might alienate some fans who preferred the more melodic side of Wheel’s earlier work. There’s a sense of cohesion that some of their previous releases possessed, but here, the emphasis seems to be on individual moments of brilliance rather than a cohesive flow.
However, these minor quibbles don’t detract from the overall impact of the album. “Charismatic Leaders” is a powerful and thought-provoking statement from Wheel. It’s a dark and intense listen, but one that rewards repeated listens with its intricate musicianship and potent lyrical message. For fans of progressive metal with a bite, “Charismatic Leaders” is a must-have.
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