Europe, in the '90s and the 21st century, has seen the rise of quite a few progressive metal/power metal artists who long for a bygone era: unapologetically retro headbangers who worship Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and Ronnie James Dio as devoutly as they worship Yes, Pink Floyd, Genesis, and ELP -- headbangers who are devoid of alternative metal influences and have no interest in emulating Slipknot, Mushroomhead, or Limp Bizkit even though they are in the same demographic. But Wastefall demonstrate that having a strong interest in both progressive rock and metal does not necessarily mean embracing a totally pre-'90s aesthetic. Self Exile (Wastefall's first album for Sensory and third album overall) is best described as alternative metal with strong prog rock leanings and some power metal appreciation as well; for this Greek outfit, the chug-chug of Pantera, Korn, and Tool is right at home with elements of Queensrÿche's Operation: Mindcrime and Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon. It isn't that Wastefall have nothing in common with someone like Italian prog metal/power metal virtuoso Luca Turilli; if Wastefall vocalist Domenic Papaemmanouil met Turilli, the two of them could no doubt have a nice conversation about the joys of Operation: Mindcrime and Wish You Were Here (another great Pink Floyd album of the '70s). But stylistically, that Pantera/Korn/Tool element separates Wastefall from Turilli and similar artists in a big way, despite the things they have in common. It should be stressed that this CD, for all its intensity, is never an exercise in harshness for the sake of harshness; Wastefall are forceful, but they are also intricate and melodic -- and their melodies tend to be dark and brooding. Self Exile is slightly inconsistent, but only slightly; the material is generally memorable, and Wastefall's potential is strong. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
Tracks
Track Title
Composers
Performers
Time
Intro
Wastefall
Wastefall
(1:05)
Willow Man
Wastefall
Wastefall
(4:04)
The Muzzle Affection
Wastefall
Wastefall
(5:26)
Dance of Descent
Wastefall
Wastefall
(3:36)
Another Empty Haven
Wastefall
Wastefall
(5:54)
Strife for Definition
Wastefall
Wastefall
(4:49)
Sleepwalk
Wastefall
Wastefall
(4:37)
E.Y.E.
Wastefall
Wastefall
(4:44)
Utopia Fragmented
Wastefall
Wastefall
(6:42)
Minutes to Abandon
Wastefall
Wastefall
(3:55)
Provoke the Divine
Wastefall
Wastefall
(6:13)
Credits
Tommy Hansen (Mastering), Tommy Hansen (Mixing), Claus Vestergaard Jensen (Layout Design)