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Paradigms Review on PopRock.ca

Here’s the review taken from the site, see English translation below.

Paradigms (2018)
Semantic Saturation
Prog Metal
Cornless Unicorn
Durée : 56 Minutes

8.5/10
Par Jacques Dulac

Voici la chronique de disque du tout nouveau Semantic Saturation paru il y a 3 mois! C’est dans le style prog metal que le montréalais Shant Hagopian nous propose son tout nouvel album!

‘‘Un projet très abouti pour Shant Hagopian qui y démontre toute sa virtuosité, ses talents de compositeur et d’arrangeur.’’

Tout nouveau projet pour le guitariste montréalais Shant Hagopian qui récidive avec un second opus qui se veut la suite logique de Solipsistic paru en 2012. C’est appuyé par le batteur Craig Blundell (Steven Wilson) et le bassiste suédois Kristoffer Gildenlow (Pain of Salvation) qu’il nous propose un album qui sonne en partie comme le précédent. Il expérimente aussi d’autres genres musicaux comme pour la pièce Empty Whisky Jar avec la chanteuse Houry Dora Apartian qui se veut dans les mêmes eaux que David Gilmour pour le feeling qui soit dit en passant, est l’une de ses influences à la guitare.

Mirrors of Confusion, Carousel of Death et The Stranger from Andromeda tombent en terrain connu si vous avez écouté son album précédent Solipsistic. Vous ne serez pas dépaysés. Il démontre une grande maturité musicale avec la pièce Until we meet Again qui est très texturée et inspirée. Le claviériste Derek Sherinian fait aussi une apparition le temps d’une pièce intitulée Ulterior Harmony… un bon rappel à l’album précédent. Et à ne pas oublier la pièce fleuve Where Dreams Have died qui passe par toutes les ambiances avec ses moments planants mais aussi plus lourds.

Paradigms se veut être un projet très abouti pour Shant Hagopian qui y démontre toute sa virtuosité, ses talents de compositeur et d’arrangeur. Une qualité que j’aime de Shant, c’est que même s’il est comparé à Petrucci, Steve Vai ou Joe Satriani, il n’a pas tendance à trop en faire dans ses solos de guitare… il sait doser et pour cette raison, ce tout nouvel opus est une réussite sur toute la ligne.

Un album incontournable pour les amateurs du genre.

Pour se procurer l’album : https://shop.semanticsaturation.com/

source: http://poprock.ca/albums/paradigms-semantic-analyse/

*** TRANSLATED BY GOOGLE ***

Paradigms (2018)
Semantic Saturation
Prog Metal
Cornless Unicorn
Running Time: 56 Minutes

8.5 / 10
By Jacques Dulac

Here is the record chronicle of the brand new Semantic Saturation published 3 months ago! It is in the prog metal style that the Montrealer Shant Hagopian offers us his brand new album!

“A very successful project for Shant Hagopian that demonstrates all his virtuosity, his talents as a composer and arranger.”

Brand new project for Montreal guitarist Shant Hagopian, who reoffends with a second opus that is the logical continuation of Solipsistic released in 2012. It is supported by drummer Craig Blundell (Steven Wilson) and Swedish bassist Kristoffer Gildenlow (Pain of Salvation) ) that he offers us an album that sounds in part like the previous one. He also experimented with other musical genres such as Empty Whiskey Jar with the singer Houry Dora Apartian who wants to be in the same waters as David Gilmour for the feeling that is, by the way, is one of his influences on the guitar .

Mirrors of Confusion, Carousel of Death and The Stranger from Andromeda fall into familiar territory if you’ve listened to his previous album Solipsistic. You will not be homesick. He demonstrates a great musical maturity with the piece Until we meet Again which is very textured and inspired. Keyboardist Derek Sherinian also makes an appearance the time of a play entitled Ulterior Harmony … a good reminder to the previous album. And do not forget the play Where Dreams Have died that goes through all the atmospheres with its hovering moments but also heavier.

Paradigms wants to be a very successful project for Shant Hagopian who demonstrates all his virtuosity, his talents as a composer and arranger. A quality that I love about Shant is that even if he’s compared to Petrucci, Steve Vai or Joe Satriani, he does not tend to overdo it in his guitar solos … he knows how to dose and for this reason, this brand new album is a success on the whole line.

An essential album for fans of the genre.

To get the album: https://shop.semanticsaturation.com/

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Paradigms Reviewed by Dutch Background Magazine

Pedro Bekkers wrote a review for Paradigms on Background Magazine.

Paradigms is the second outing of Semantic Saturation and it’s equally impressive as the debut

*****

When I got to listen to Shant Hagopian’s second Semantic Saturation album; Paradigms I realized it was in 2012 that fell in love with Shant’s beautiful melodies and wonderful playing. Solipsistic (see review) became one of those albums that I came to play on a regular base, it never gets dull and remains an interesting musical journey, even after six years. In 2018 the time was right to release a new album and this time the accompanying musicians are as impressive as on the previous album. Besides Shant Hagopian, the core of the “band” are drummer Craig Blundell, well known from bands like Frost*, Lonely Robot and Steven Wilson. The Dutch/Swedish bass player Kristoffer Gildenlöw is famous for his participation in Pain Of Salvation, his solo works and is a member of the symphonic, progressive rock band Kayak. Guest keyboard players are the returning Derek Sherinian (Sons Of Apollo and many more) and Alex Argento (Icefish) who also produced the album. Where on the previous album Vanden Plas vocalist Andy Kuntz provided the vocals for one song, the sole vocal laden track on Paradigms sees Houry Dora Apartian as vocalist. Finally, Squiggy McFlannel is mentioned as trumpeter for on song.

All in all a line-up that stands for high quality musical craftsmanship, and indeed these thorough musicians are very able to take the quite impressive compositions to an even higher level. Musically there is a lot of diversity on the album; guitar driven compositions, where Shant lets his guitar do the talking. He is able to write melodic guitar lines that substitute lyrical parts on progressive rock albums, but also knows when to play heavy nasty riffs. Both opening tracks; Mirrors Of Confusion and Carousel Of Death are good examples for this approach. Even more intense is Pareidolia, a heavy romantic track with subtle Joe Satriani infulences. Empty Whisky Jar is the only vocal track on the album, smooth blues and jazz elements are blended to a delicate composition, where again the Satriani references are clear, but in a song that good old Joe would never come up with. Perhaps my favourite on the album is the heavy progressive rock/metal song The Stranger From Andromeda, a brilliant tune where the trio; Hagopian, Gildenlöw and Blundell show they really belong to the top musicians in the scene. Until We Meet Again is a solid ballad style composition, highlighting some fine bass playing and tender guitar parts, welded together by subtle drumming. Another intriguing piece of music. Derek Sherinian enters his signature playing to Ulterior Harmony, making this one a progressive rock song with a fusion touch, a kind of smoother and funkier Planet X I would say. Perhaps weird, but the song Disturbance Within gives me the feeling of post rock, especially in the guitar parts these elements are very noticeable; together with the rhythm section the combination of post a progressiveness results in a more than amazing composition. Another fine tune where Shant lets his guitar do the talking is Universal; a kind of classic rock meets prog is the result, including very fine piano parts. Could you refer to an instrumental song as an epic, if you can, Where Dreams Have Died is the absolute epic of the album, spheres and speed changes all over the place, but remaining brilliant for the full ten and a half minute. Another perfect track I guess.

Paradigms is the second outing of Semantic Saturation and it’s equally impressive as the debut, I think the use of different musicians does give the album a more progressive touch than the previous album. Which I think will win many true progressive rock aficionados, where the fusion freaks will still have their share of interesting parts. For me, this is another musical highlight in my collection.

-Pedro Bekkers (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen)

*****

source: http://backgroundmagazine.nl/CDreviews/SemanticSaturationParadigms.html

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DPRP (Dutch Progressive Rock Page) Reviews and Rates Paradigms 9/10

Jan Buddenberg, who is clearly a grand whisky connoisseur, reviews Paradigms in style and special aromatic flavor on DPRP.net

An outstanding album, which grows on you on each turn. Highly recommendable for progressive guitar lovers

*****

Rating: 9/10

The art of blending is a craftsmanship one tastefully encounters in luxury drinks like whisky. Imagine what is to be done for one brand to make every bottle of precious liquid exactly the same; for people expect the same quality, not only in their own country, but across the border it should look, feel and taste the same as well; repeatedly over and over and over all the time. Choosing from all those casks of whisky; all different in age, taste, impregnation and maturation is not an easy task and hence the term master-blender is frequently used as appraisal in the industry.

In slightly higher regard stand those who are able to play freely in the cask-field by not only harmonizing up to explicit quality, but also essentially add a signature to the already perfect drink, thereby creating more depth, stunning flavours and long lasting lingering finishes. On top of this there are a few instances where the master-blender is the master-distiller as well, able to control the whole process from start to finish in the end creating the loveliest of spirits; precisely the circumstances in which Shant Hagopian operates with Semantic Saturation when compared to the musical equivalent of it.

Paradigms is the second release by Semantic Saturation, the first being Solipsistic from 2012. On his first album he used the talented skills of Virgil Donati (drums) and Ric Fierabracci (bass) to present highly entertaining instrumental progressive metal, with guest appearances on one track by Andy Kuntz (Vanden Plas) on vocals, and Derek Sherinian (Sons Of Apollo) on keyboards adding signatures throughout. For Paradigms the base-field has been altered completely resulting in an more than satisfactory versatile form of Shant on guitars and keys, Craig Blundell (Steve Wilson, Frost) on drums and Kristoffer Gildenlöw on bass. With some extraordinary supportive appearances, Shant has surpassed his own standard and raised the bar, subsequently nourishing our senses.

A creative and artistic insight into the mind of Shant shows on the lovely self-designed artwork in which the album is presented. Production by Shant is handled extremely well, for the album is impeccably vivid, harmonious, balanced, vibrant, tight when it needs to be, yet playful when called for; and above all a treat to listen to and enjoy.

Most tracks are based on instrumental jazzy progressive rock fusion structures and melodies, leaving lots of space for the three cornerstones to fill in the blanks when necessary to make it all sparkle. Each member knowing their instrument by heart shines through in their performance, without ever feeling the need to outweigh the other. Genuinely guitar driven, there’s still ample of room for variety, flashes of keys, subtle or hard hitting drums, firm and tight bass and the occasional solo (be it keys or guitar) as perfectly demonstrated in Mirrors Of Confusion and Pareidolia.

Universal and Until We Meet Again showcase a softer touch with more melodic rock whereby acoustic guitars add character and keys giving refinement, often reminding me of Dixie Dregs and Steve Morse. The heavier full bodied tracks like The Stranger From Andromeda and Disturbence show signs of brilliance with influences by Dream Theater reminiscent of their instrumental work during the Images And Words and Awake era.

The support by guest artist lifts the intensity of the music and generates a whole different level in which to play. Short but rounded Empty Whisky Jar starts of bluesy and changes towards jazz thanks to the vocals by Houry Dora Apartian, effectively depicting images of a Mike Hammer Private detective set in the 30’s to me. Carousel Of Death features Alex Argento on keyboards (also responsible for mixing and mastering) and Squiggy McFlannel on Trumpet, whom together with the base three stir things up, resulting in a rather complex heavy dynamical progressive track full of 1950s swing and burlesque. Lastly, Derek Sherinian adjusts the controls towards extraordinary progmetal on Ulterior Harmony, leaving the levers open to maximum extend results in a pure cask strength version of Dream Theater.

Even the best master blenders have to make a judgment call now and then when there’s an exquisite and flawless cask that just is too good to be used in a blend, so it becomes a single cask whisky; a whisky-lovers dream with exceptional aromas, flavours, divine taste and a long everlasting finish. Last track Where Dreams Have Died is the exact equivalent: initially smooth, it changes to heavy progressive Pink Floyd and Dream Theater, giving of bursts of explicit guitars reminiscent of John Petrucci and Joe Satriani. Temporarily softening in the middle it slowly evolves into a dazzling exhibition by Shant on guitar, as if to say you don’t need words if your guitar can do it’s singing for you (ironically this being the one track with actual lyrics); ending with a relaxing silky smoothness.

A special mention has to be made to the exemplary bass-work by Gildenlöw which is some of his best I have heard up to date. Combined with the intricate, energetic and refined drums by Blundell and the inspiring guitars by Shant has resulted in an outstanding album, which grows on you on each turn. Highly recommendable for progressive guitar lovers, and for now I’ll savor an established 20 years old Dutch Single Cask 1998 Millstone whisky and listen to it again; though I think the complexity and finish on the drink might take a while so more turns are needed… Let’s hope actual semantic saturation doesn’t happen.

*****

Source: http://www.dprp.net/reviews/2018-069#semantic-saturation

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English Review on Esther’s Rock Blog

A couple of weeks ago Esther published a review in Dutch on Esther’s Rock Blog and on Rockmuzine. Yesterday she told me the review is now translated in English, so I’m sharing it below.
Esther rated Paradigms with a score of 92/100

*****

Semantic Saturation – Paradigms (GB)
6 september 2018 – Esther Kessel-Tamerus

Shant Hagopian is a guitarist from Canada. In 2010 he founded the prog rock / metal project Semantic Saturation. The idea behind the project is to work with a different line-up on each album.
‘Paradigms‘ is the second album. Here, contributors included well-known proggers: Craig Blundell (Frost * / Steven Wilson), Kristoffer Gildenlöw (ex Pain of Salvation).

The intro of ‘Mirrors of Confusion’ could have been as well an intro of a blues-rock track. When metal elements kick in, you know that we are in for something different. The metal element is not only alternated with rock, but also with quieter parts. As expected, the drumming is very good. There’s a fine division between rhythm and melody. This opening track ends very nicely.

‘Carousel of Death‘ has a tight start. There are some high, electronic sounds. The rhythm is interspersed with melody. There are many twists and turns, with -for example- trumpet playing, which provides a jazzy twist. Because of the amount of twists your ears almost can’t keep up.
The structure is complex, yet Shant knows how to interweave a catchy melody and rhythm. These are real ear-worms that stay in your head. There are bouts of fast and tight performances. A bit later, sometimes even at the same time, the melody is hovering over. Even the musical rests are nicely placed. This track has a tremendous ending.

‘Empty Whiskey Jar‘ has a calm, collected start. Here too, all instruments are in balance. The vocals sound mainly as an instrument, but they are a wonderful addition. This track has a lingering dreamy atmosphere. For the first time, the ending is less surprising. However, during this part, small details are nicely incorporated.

Initially ‘Ulterior Harmony‘ has a catchy rhythm. The guitars provide the rocking element, which slowly becomes heavier and faster. Again, there are unexpected twists and combinations that you should actually check out for yourself. The high tones of the keys are intermixed, or alternated, with the heavy riffs. This occasionally peculiar or restless mishmash is well balanced. The tempo is fast, while the melody is unwavering. All this is well distributed over the headphones. There is an extensive build-up towards the end, experimental in nature. This seamlessly flows into ‘Disturbance Within‘. After a calm, experimental start, a sudden hit of solid rock follows. Again, the guitar work is exquisite. Electronic sounds provide a spherical end.

Semantic Saturation always knows how to surprise me: In ‘Universal‘ with their piano sounds. There is a transition to a more rocking, with a touch of Latin American atmosphere. There are plenty of twists in this piece. The piano returns briefly. The layers are also beautifully separated during the quiet part. There is a sudden change to rock. This contains a cool bass groove. In a nutshell, there is so much to listen to. Once again, the build-up is very good at the end.

Also ‘Where Dreams Have Died‘ is fantastic. Towards the end the mysterious music is played softer and softer until you hear almost nothing. Then there is silence. But… the music returns. But just for a few seconds. This is amazing, what a surprising ending. This last track is an epic, which is a fantastic way to wrap up the album.

The artwork is made by Shant, and looks very professional. He is very talented, both visually and audibly. I have heard many beautiful things. I was regularly impressed by the sublime guitar playing of Shant. He has, together with this team, made a very good album.

*****

Source:
http://kessel-tamerus.nl/Esthers_Blog/rock-gb/semantic-saturation-paradigms-gb/