Some of you might have read my interview with Tetrafusion’s drummer JC Bryant last year. I also reviewed their album Altered State. Well, JC hit me up recently to do a review for their new EP, Horizons. I had to put it off for a few days, but I have given the record a solid spin and, I must say, I am quite impressed.

Review after the jump.

I really enjoyed Altered State, but there were a few things that I thought the band could improve. I felt like the record needed a little more intensity from all the members, especially Gary Tubbs, Tetrafusion’s vocalist. Gary’s vocals seemed strained most of the time, and a little bit forced, which is understandable given that the record was originally written sans-vocalist. 

After listening to Horizons, I was speechless. The songs are much more diverse, and pack a much heavier punch than the last record could offer. The record’s first song (after the intro track), called Impetus, starts the record of with an epic, flourishing texture, reminiscent of any of the timeless prog giants. Every member of this band has seriously stepped up their game and improved their musicianship. JC’s drumming is much more intense and creative. Bassist Mark Michell defies the ‘bad bassist’ stereotype with a virtuosity comparable to Dan Briggs, Henry Selva or Evan Brewer. Brooks Tarkington’s guitar composition shows a dedication to technical mastery, and a much more daring, confident approach to textural progression. And, as I said before, vocalist/keyboardist Gary Tubbs has impressed me as well. His vocals have broadened quite a bit, which is exemplified throughout the entire record. As a classically trained vocalist, Gary brings a lot to the table.

It’s pretty stunning, really. I can’t say I could ask for much more from an EP such as this. I tried really hard to find something about it I dislike, and I can’t. Okay, maybe the vocals in Impetus could have been mixed a bit louder, but that’s getting really nitpicky. Horizons was mixed by Jamie King, who has mixed records for Between the Buried and Me, The Human Abstract, and Last Chance to Reason, among others. Needless to say, he did a great job mixing it. 

Tetrafusion posted Horizons on their Bandcamp site on Tuesday, and you can download it for free, but you should give these guys some money, because they need to get out on the road!

Tetrafusion’s Horizons EP gets a 5/5 for being technically flawless and and jaw-dropping. Check out their Facebook page for more info, and expect to see a lot more of these guys in 2012.