2006 self-released
Post-Hardcore, progressive

4 out of 5

Day Without Dawn was the first reincarnation of New Jersey prog-metal powerhouse The Postman Syndrome. Following the departure of founding guitarist and singer Matt Lupo and drummer Mike Somers, the remaining members started over with a new name and a new sound.

This short introduction to Day Without Dawn begins quite differently than Postman's monolithic 2002 album Terraforming, trading the pummeling hardcore of the past for a haunting almost-a capella lyric backed only by a minimal yet ominous piano. As the bands two remaining guitarists enter with a floating harmonized line, it becomes believable that this is the same band, and without warning this suspicion is ratified with the sudden explosion of "inquisition." Most of the Postman Syndrome's trademark elements are there: big loud riffs, intricate drumming, and sudden shifts in mood and style. However these are refined, flowing more smoothly and with less repetition than the material on Terraforming. The bubbling Radiohead-meets-prog-metal guitar work on "The Plea" twists a single melodic idea in several directions without abandoning the original lick and stands as the most impressive testament to the band's chops and compositional ability. It's a strikingly original interpretation of the formula made popular by Tool in taking a single motif and playing with it for a good six minutes.

Fans of the Postman Syndrome may take issue with the vocals on this release. Though singer/guitarist Jim Stang handled most of the vocals in Postman, he has opted to stay in a higher range on these songs  and the more nasal quality of his singing here takes some getting used to. Also, the absence of Matt Lupo's rougher timbre and well-placed harmonies can at times leave Stang sounding alone and without his usual counterpoint. However, he still handles the vocals competently his new approach is well-suited for the direction the band takes here.

Despite these gripes, Day Without Dawn's debut is a very solid and intriguing piece of music. It gives great promise that these four musicians will continue to live up to their former name's well-earned reputation for innovation and may even surpass it.

Sounds like: Opeth-meets-King Crimson-meets-Radiohead guitar interplay with a legit prog rhythm section and Engine Down vocals.

Best Track: The Plea