L.A. progressive metal outfit Sifting are gearing up for the release of their latest hard rocking album Not From Here. Some of the more successful progressive acts are the ones that aren’t afraid to let their modern active rock flags fly. Based on what we have heard, that’s what Sifting is sonically all about. The band delivers shredding guitars and meticulously crafted bass drum work, while the bass guitar stands out on its own with thunderous and dirty low end power. All of this occurs without putting the listener into a coma. No one in this band overstays their welcome. They are mature and talented players.

On first listen you may compare the singing style to James LaBrie of Dream Theater, but there is something deeper going on here. The vocals carry a cool Papa Emeritus of Ghost vibe with the melodic undertones of Avenged Sevenfold. It’s the perfect dynamic for this style. Lyrically, frontman Eduardo O Gil tosses in social commentary and political statements without sounding preachy.

The band has its roots in Venezuela prior to its rebirth in California. The music video for “Pledge of Our Generation” displays Sifting’s disapproval of the Venezuelan government and its actions against the people under President Nicolas Maduro.

4 Stars

Not from Here was recorded and produced by award-winning producers Ryan Williams of Velvet Revolver, Pearl Jam, and Rage Against The Machine fame; and Steve Evetts who worked with Suicide Silence, The Dillinger Escape Plan, and Sense’s Fail.

Standout tracks are “Nothing But Us,” “Blowing Fire,” “Alone,” and “Not From Here.”

Sifting are Eduardo O Gil (guitar & vocals), Richard Garcia (lead guitar), Abelardo Bolano (drums), Wins Jarquin (bass).

Look for the album on September 29 through Eclipse Records.

Not From Here tracks listing:

  1. Agents of Chaos
  2. Alone
  3. Blowing Fire
  4. Not from Here
  5. Blurry Paintings
  6. Pledge of Our Generation
  7. Nothing But Us
  8. Things Change
  9. Epsilon
  10. Gloom