Album Review: Calyces – Fleshy Waves of Probability (Self Released)

Athenian progressive metal band Calyces will release their brand-new album ‘Fleshy Waves of Probability’ on March 21st, 2025.

Leaning towards the heavier side of the sound, it is no less a constant flurry of evolving noise. Wild and uncultured at times, smartly layered and intricately played at others, rhythmically exciting and of course, delivered with confident aplomb. The 11 tracks, two of which are acoustic, warp the mind and excite the senses as only well cultivated prog metal can do.

This is what I said about Calyces’ debut album, ‘Impulse to Soar’, in 2020 and five years later, it’s fascinating to hear how they have developed as a band. Continuing to express themselves in a unique progressive way but having found a better balance of intricate elements crossed with more daringly anthemic and purposeful elements. It can be really unusual, off-putting to some degree, but it can also be so lovable and addictive too.

That’s Calyces for you though, and the powerful progressive hit of adrenaline that comes from opening track Swirling Towards the Light showcases so much of who they are now. An exciting blend of character-driven disorder and eccentric melody that has infinite replay value. The balance of order and chaos is impressive, but that’s a summation of the album, and not just this track. Calyces have thought-out every aspect of this record, hence why the following Boneshatter is such a singalong with its impressive combination of melody and metal.

Wastelands comes next with a more vigorous style, delivering a fast-paced guitar-led showcase that sounds heavier thanks to the thump of the drums. Before the stunning Lost in Phrase arrives in deep, affecting, creative fashion. Moodily melodic, but with robust instrumentals that give it a more old-school alternative feel. It is so listenable and a bright showcase of Calyces’ varied ways.

With the soul now buoyed, it’s time for something with a bit more bite to it, and that just so happens to be the faster and more intense combination of Voices in the Gray and Forked Tongue. The vocal disparity is great within the former, the harsh side sounding particularly scathing and the clean, super poppy. Whereas the latter is a grand expulsion of energy twisted by intriguing melodic progressive twists.

Flowing Through Storm, the penultimate track then offers up listeners a very likable and creative listen. Where we get layers of dreamy melody, outbursts of heavier intensity, and just enough weird twists and turns to make it feel trippy. Then, finally, get to experience the expressive significance of Lethargy, a finale to sink into, even with its highly experimental touches.

Calyces have done it again. Fleshy Waves of Probability is special, but importantly, it feels like an important step-forward for the band too. They’re still focused on being a progressive experience, but it’s one that has more accessibility than ever.

Calyces – Fleshy Waves of Probability Track Listing:

1. Swirling Towards the Light
2. Boneshatter
3. Wastelands
4. Lost in Phrase
5. Voices in the Gray
6. Forked Tongue
7. Flowing Through Storm
8. Lethargy

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