Taking a fair number of cues from the likes of Evergrey, Kamelot and the other assorted prog/power bands that employ a fairly massive orchestral sound is Scotland's Concept of Time. A bit of an oddball on the scene, we've more than a few thrash and death metal bands here, not to mention the metalcore side and other slightly extreme things that are bobbing around, so when a band that's off that beaten path pops up they tend to stick out a lot more.

After a number of setbacks they've produced their sophomore EP Breathe, which jumps away from their previously keyboard heavy roots and replaces it with the aforementioned orchestral backing. They've managed to use it pretty well, focusing on the different layers and dynamics instead of whacking it out as a keyboardist would. The title track Breathe in particular shows the effort that they've gone to in crafting their sound, the orchestra sweeping through the track, a build up through the verses to massive choruses underneath Tom Perrett's soaring vocals, with an up-tempo interlude to bridge the last choruses together. A simple formula that's fairly effective. The opener The End Is Just The Beginning takes it a little to the extreme, most of the energy from its driving, near Bodom-esque intro is somewhat lost in the quiet and moody first verse, which is a shame as the big chorus would've sounded even more massive if they managed to carry it through. Thankfully it's a minor blip, as the second verse is far stronger and fits in better with the other sections that surround it. Visions is probably the strongest track that's on show as it manages to balance all the elements that I talked about, the orchestra, the build ups, and pull them off in a spectacular fashion.

I have a few issues with the EP though. The guitar sound is pretty weak, and while it's not the focus of the music it could have done with a bigger kick as opposed to the mid range buzz that is somewhat flaccid when surrounded by such a bombastic sound. A Dream of Dystopia doesn't do much for me either. It sort of shuffles along in a rather business like fashion with no major hook in it, especially compared to the rest which actively build towards the massive choruses and basically finishes before anything seems to happen.

The EP on a whole is quite a mature piece of work, especially for such a young band, and they are rightfully building up some amount of interest from the back of it. They've put it up for download on their Facebook page should you be interested, and is worth your time if you're into this sort of thing. It is, hopefully, their stepping stone to bigger and better things.

The band's Facebook Page with Download link.