Band:	Anup Sastry
Album:	Ghost
Style:	Djent, Instrumental, Progressive metal
Release date:	March 2013

01. Legend
02. Limitless
03. The Boss Level
04. Wastelands
05. Discovery
06. Skywalk
07. Ghost
08. Reflex
09. Crystal

Djent. Yeah, I said it. I usually call it Groovy Rhythmo Chuggingham, but you could also understand it simply as Instrumental Progressive Metal. Currently a member of Intervals, Skyharbor and acting as the touring drummer for Jeff Loomis, Anup Sastry has somehow found time to put together a solo album.

That being said, I cannot emphasize the "put together" part enough. With him being a drummer, Ghost is understandably percussion and groove focused. The guitar and bass work are noticeably programmed and arranged, but everything fits together nicely for an adequate headbanging session.

The intensity of the music is high throughout, with plenty of delicious grooves to enjoy. The drumming is phenomenal, with some very subtle and interesting tom work. Also noticeable is the occasional blast beat throw in for good measure. What really sets this one apart is the nice touches of atmosphere that add a great deal to making the songs stand out on their own. These keyboard/pad parts and samples create some lovely dynamics, especially evident in the title track.

The most glaring flaw is the general over-produced sound. On his bandcamp, Anup admits, "All of the guitars and bass are "programmed." I am a drummer, and that is the only instrument I know how to fluently play." The intentionally synthetic sounds do have a strange appeal in contrast to some of his peers in the genre. With this in mind, it is still quite a feat listening to these complex compositions knowing that this album has been produced, written, recorded, mixed and mastered alone.

Another issue is that some tracks seem more like chunks of ideas rather than cohesive songs with a distinct vision. For me, this adds to the chaotic feel. Unfortunately, it may also challenge some of the more structurally-minded listeners.

Where do we draw the line? Is music simply an act of composition? Our ancestors certainly thought so. But in the age of technology, what do we gain from purely synthetic musical output? Where does the heart lie? Technology enables the incapable to express themselves, the deaf to hear, the lame to walk. In terms of musical standards, I have no talent. I am critiquing an album that I could only dream of creating. But as a critic, I can only throw stones against a foundation of my previous listening.

Highly recommended for fans of Periphery, Chimp Spanner, Cloudkicker, Meshuggah, and Animals As Leaders.