Special Providence is an instrumental prog metal band from
Hungary that I was not familiar with prior to listening to “Essense of Change.” I have to hand it to the band. While they aren’t afraid to show their influences, they are definitely unique in how they meld metal with jazz and progressive rock.
They go from the jazzy, Aristocrats influenced “Surprise Me” to the Happy the Man meets groove metal of “”Atlas of You”. The song “Kiss from a Glacier” is Gentle Giant tinged at times while also being a metallic Dixie Dregs at the same time. “Northern Lights” is how I wish Planet X would sound! Phenomenal.
The song “Gas Giant” features a guest appearance from guitarist David Maxim Micic. Everyone has really fallen in love with his music. I can’t say that I have but he does work extremely well with Special Providence on this track. The album closes with a “bonus track” called “Testing the Empathy” which is one of my favorite tracks on the album. Of course! It’s a bonus track and I love those! The song has a kick ass riff and an awesome groove to it.
These are 4 very skilled musicians who make instrumental music that’s compelling. We’ve had too many bands who think if they play fast enough or are just really djent sounding, they can just play the same track over and over. Special Providence make sure that each song, while being complex, is still VERY memorable and interesting. “Essense of Change” is miles better than the run of the mill prog wankfests out there. If you have grown tired of showoffs like Animals As Leaders or even the aforementioned David Maxim Micic, check out this album!
