The exciting and young progressive death metal band Wisteria was formed in Germantown, Maryland in 2000 by drummer Shawnt Gregorian.  Several lineup changes occurred for the next few years before the lineup stabilized with the addition of guitarists Billy Pizarro and Matt Rossa, and bassist/vocalist Alex Weber.  Wisteria’s eclectic mix of influences range from traditional metal like Black Sabbath, Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, progressive death and grind core bands like Death and Morbid Angel, artsy death metal like Opeth, to progressive rock and metal bands like Rush, Dream Theater and Symphony X.  The Wisteria sound is also colored by the band’s love of World Music and music that pays homage to the band’s diverse cultural backgrounds.  While they do not have many live shows under their belt, you can rest assured that it will change soon and with the help of this amazingly well done EP, their horizons will only stretch farther and become brighter.  Thanks to a trick of fate and a stroke of luck at a pool party, we were made aware of Wisteria and the musical gifts that these talented young kids bring to the table.  Wonders never cease.

The EP kicks you in the face right off the bat with the mind-bending and skull-crushing “Realm Of The Gods”.  The chugging death metal riffs have a surprising amount of melody and perfectly complement the menacing vocals of Weber.  A true death metal epic which switches from a mid-paced attack to a warpath beating that will cause you to mount your horse and head to battle, but then segues into a beautiful guitar lead break, and then the drums beat again and the mayhem resumes.  Great track to start things off!

“The Brotherhood” is another track with a very epic feel to it, a powerful instrumental that would easily fit in a movie score…why don’t more movies use more metal in scores?  They really should, and when they choose them, they should really give this track a listen.  Has a very Maidenesque feel to it.

“Towards Oblivion” has all the potential in the world to be a death metal classic.  Boasting one of the catchiest hooks I have ever heard in an extreme metal song, more of Weber’s menacing growls, some unique percussive touches, and some very Egyptian-sounding dual leads by Pizarro and Rosa…you just gotta hear this track!  INCREDIBLE!

“The Philosopher” will be familiar to any fans of the legendary band Death.  Wisteria does a devastating version of this classic track which would surely have Chuck Schuldiner smiling down from heaven.  If anyone is looking to do a Death tribute album, well, they should really give these youngsters a call!  Excellent cover!

I am amazed at how flawless Wisteria sounds even at their young age!  Everything is so tight on this disc, from the musical delivery right down to the production, which is pretty damn good for an early demo!  Alex Weber plays some excellent bass lines and his demonic vocal attack is top notch.  Guitarists Pizarro and Rossa make one hell of an axe tag team!  Their rhythms are destructive and melodic, their leads are well executed and they play killer harmonies.  Drummer Gregorian drives the engine with crimson gusto, delivering some volcanic drumming and playing some great tribal beats, and adds some great embellishments to his skin bashing with a touch of tree bells.  This band sounds like it has been playing together for years!

If you love death metal, but want more melody and substance, I suggest you give this EP a buy!  Wisteria is truly a band which could be leading a resurgence in progressive death metal, which many people thought was dead with the breakup of Death.  These four talented kids have breathed new life into a metal genre which many people have accused of having no melody and being one dimensional.  I look eagerly to the future when I can hear future albums and see how they progress.  The possibilities for Wisteria’s future success are unlimited!

What’s up with all these talented underground metal bands from Maryland?  Something in the water, I bet ya!

Review written by: Matt B.        
Date: December 18, 2006             
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5