This is the fourth album from Canadian progressive metal/rock band Dead Quiet.
Dead Quiet have an expressive and individual sound that sits somewhere between metal and rock. Combining stoner, heavy, and progressive influences into well-written songs with no small amount of charisma and personality, IV is 45 minutes very well-spent.
The music is more involved and intricate than you might expect given the stoner tag. Although this is only one small part of Dead Quiet’s sound, I credit that also to their use of classic progressive rock influences, an inspired use of old-school heavy metal elements, and their creativity overall. There are a wealth of striking sounds, ideas, rhythms, riffs, keyboards, organs, and much more across this album, and each song delivers the goods in its own inimitable style.
The vocalist is a match for the impressive songwriting. His soulful, emotive singing draws the listener in and won’t let them go. He has the same sort of presence as Jon Oliva from Savatage. At least, that’s who comes to my mind more than anyone else when listening to IV.
Honestly, there’s so much good here. The mix of styles and eras you’ll find on this album is surprising, and it’s a joy to listen to. It’s one of those releases that I kind of feel a bit ridiculous trying to write about. I really just want to shout “This is brilliant! Go listen to this!” and be done with it, so maybe that’s as good a place as any to end this review.
IV is an unassuming title for such a superlative album. Dead Quiet have crafted an exceptional record.
Essential listening.
Wonderbox Metal 