Alpha Galates - _A Stimulus for Reason_
(EMI Music Canada, 2007)
by: Quentin Kalis (9 out of 10)
I honestly didn't believe that major labels such as EMI were signing anything more intense than latest flash-in-a-pan nu-metal band, the banality of their lyrics beaten only by their haircuts. Alpha Galates are living proof that big labels will sign you if you can play more than the same three barre chords. It just doesn't happen too often, on a par with sightings of Haley's comet.

"Standing" and "Natio" have been chosen for airplay on Canadian (metal?) radio. At three and a half minutes, "Standing" is shorter than most of their songs, some of which break the ten minute barrier, and is thus more accessible, but not wanting for quality.

Don't let my scepticism put off any prog metal fans; this is not a bad album by any stretch of my cynical and jaded imagination -- the musicianship is superb, and the vocals are excellent, providing the subtle textures growls are unable to. Each listen unravels something new, something I missed on previous listens -- which only makes me want to listen to it more, something I haven't experienced since I first heard Opeth, and that was a long time ago.

Well done to EMI for having the balls to sign something without a touch of 'core. Buy now.

Contact: http://www.alphagalates.com

(article published 22/8/2008)


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