Encompass - Encompass
  Genre: Progressive Metal/Rock
  Release Date: 2006
  Label: Unsigned
  Band Web Site: 

“Yo! Back in 2 double-0 4 an entity was reformed playing progressive beats…ENCOMPASS WAS BORN!”

Why did I choose to begin this review in such a fashion? I’m not gonna tell you yet! Just read on as I tell you the tale of the Alexandria, Virginia-based prog band Encompass.

Originally formed in 2001, the goal of Encompass was to form a band featuring members with diverse musical and cultural backgrounds. Sadly, despite some great shows and the building of a strong following, said musical differences caused the band to implode later that year. After a three-year breakup, the band reformed in 2004. This time, the band decided to use those musical differences to their advantage and proceed to write and perform music that, in the words of the band’s bio, was “uncatagorizable”. While each band member had their traditional roots in metal music, they added the influences of bands like Rush, Marillion, Journey, Genesis, Faith No More and many more diverse styles to their sonic brew to create their own brand of progressive rock and metal. Released in 2006, their self-titled “demo album” finally captures the bands’ sound for all to hear.

The Encompass lineup (on the CD) consists of guitarist/vocalist Farhad Hossain, keyboardist Mike Farmer, drummer Tanvir Tomal and bassist Jose Mora (who left in July 2006 and was replaced by Mike Ricci). Ex-drummer Saadi Ashraf plays the drums on two tracks.

“Overture” begins the album with a delicious instrumental display which gives the listener a little taste of what Encompass has to offer. A perfect intro filled with some cool key soloing and some nice riffs.

“Weight Of The World” features guitar, bass and piano in perfect unison creating a perfect sonic background. We are introduced to Farhad’s gentle but powerful vocal delivery before he hits some high notes during the sing-along style chorus. Great guitar solo on this one.

Quiet keys and bass licks clear the way for the upbeat sounds of “Under Lunar Orbit”. The vocal delivery is louder and less gentle, and the overall tone of the music is heavier. Some nice stop and starts on this track, which features another great chorus. Very cool and creative guitar riffs too!

Spacey sound effects and gentle guitars followed by a pretty piano solo lead you into “A Postwar Requiem". Hossain sings with emotion and longing during the verses before belting it out more on the heavier chorus. “I sought you, would you seek me?” he asks. The last quarter of the song becomes an instrumental playground for the boys as Mora melts the strings with his bass licks, Farmer adds great keyboard licks throughout, and Hossain starts off with some sweet notes before letting the shredder in him take over with some mind-blowing soloing! Great stuff.

“Perchance To Dream” takes things down a notch with an ethereal keyboard background, wide open spaced drumming, and the strum of an acoustic guitar. Farhad gives his most emotional performance yet as he pleads for love to someone who does not seem to want to listen. He hits some unexpected high notes on this one that will surely catch you by surprise. This track may make you cry. “Who am I to believe in victory?”

Follow your “Impulse” and dig this great instrumental! Sweet solos and an almost Latin sounding riff will make you want to break out the castanets! I love the feel of this piece as it shows off their world music influences very well.

“The Eyes Of Ankara” shifts moods from the hopeful, to the peaceful, to the heavy madness of a simply awesome instrumental break where every musician gives 110 percent before bringing you back down to a mood of sadness as we follow the tale of a blessed man who has the power to bring peace, but also seems to be searching for peace himself. The sadness slips away in the end as the song builds to an optimistic crescendo at the end. Awesome vocals on this one! Easily my favorite track…but the next one provides stiff competition!

Get ready to HEADBANG! Melodic sledgehammer riffs (is that an oxymoron?) pound your senses while a melodic keyboard line lulls them to a false sense of security. Then the riffs get heavier and cause you to headbang even more! But then it all fades and serenity perseveres…not for long! The heavy riff takes over again as Farhad wails over the madness…what track is this? Well, it is “Balance”, an awesome prog metal monster that could also easily slide onto your radio! IMPRESSIVE! The solos on this track simply rip! “We’re all equal in the end” punctuates one split moment of silence before the riffs kick your ass into next week again!

The epic and emotional tear jerker “Still” rounds off this great collection with pure perfection. A beautiful extended instrumental passage leads to just piano before the vocals take over. The song builds and builds as Farhad reaches vocal ranges that are soaked with power, emotion and feeling as he sings of a relationship that seems to be in the break-up stages. “Don’t you ever say you loved me, don’t you ever say you care!”, Farhad screams as the song builds to some awesome solos on both guitar and keyboard. The mood becomes more gentile for the time being before the song builds to an emotional climax. OH MY F*CKING GOD is the best phrase I can use for this emotional roller coaster!

Hey WAIT! Don’t take the album out yet! Do this instead…fast forward to about 1:55 of the next track and listen to some hilarious rapping by the Encompass guys as they have some fun! After this track you will know why I began the review the way I did! When you see them rocking best get out the way! Don’t make them bitchslap you like the ho that you is!

The musicianship? In a word: Incredible! Farhad Hossain rips out lightning leads, melodic slow leads, heavy riffs, smooth as silk melodies, and awesome vocals with no trouble at all. Mike Farmer shows off great skill on the keyboard without showing off. Jose Mora lets his fingers fly on the bass with some groovy licks. I was at the last performance he did with Encompass and it was a shame he had to leave the band. New bassist Mike Ricci should fill his shoes well, however. Drummer Tanvir Tomal shows off why he earned the nickname “Missletoes” with his superb skills on the kit.

With this album, Encompass proves once again why the mid-Atlantic region could become a progressive metal hotbed. Record companies need to stand up and take notice! The next generation of progressive metal is right here, and Encompass is one of the bands leading the charge! Be sure to add this album to your wish list!

I think I dug this album. You will too!

Review written by: Matt B.       
Date: September 17, 2006             
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5