When listening to Anup Sastry, it’s Opposite Day – the drums are real and the guitars programmed. The groove monster says he isn’t fluent at guitar so he records small DI guitar parts and phrases, edits them into full riffs, routes them through the Axe-Fx II and voila – you have your brand of instrumental progressive metal that is Anup Sastry. His latest work, , it’s Opposite Day – the drums are real and the guitars programmed. The groove monster says he isn’t fluent at guitar so he records small DI guitar parts and phrases, edits them into full riffs, routes them through the Axe-Fx II and voila – you have your brand of instrumental progressive metal that is Anup Sastry. His latest work, ‘Titan’ which was released on 2nd September, fortifies his unique style while taking his game further.

My first experience of My first experience of ‘Titan’ was the ethereal album cover done byJordan Salmon, it really sets the mood for what is to follow. Sure, it is reminiscent of the current trippy/spacy album art trend but it actually is good art. After appreciating the art it was time to appreciate the music.

I love the fact that ‘Titan’ is a four-song EP unlike the debut full lengthI love the fact that ‘Titan’ is a four-song EP unlike the debut full length‘Ghost’ which, in my opinion, had gotten a tad bit drawn-out. Having a run time of just 23 minutes, things are kept fresh and intense on this EP. Being progressive metal, you’d expect it to start off all technical but on the contrary, the first song “Titan” begins fun and hardcore and only after a while does it go into technical sections. Needless to say, Anup’s primary instrument, the drums, are incredible. But his expertise on the guitar is no less. Being a guitar player myself I’m in awe of Anup’s songwriting prowess; the man can whip up some amazing guitar parts with his samples. And he takes full advantage of this by creating parts that are all over the place but which still make sense. There are more electronic sounds this time, like in the intro to “Perspective” which then goes into one of the grooviest moments on the EP. Man, that riff is tasty as hell. The rest of the song is solid too, transitioning from complex riffs to choruses in a very natural way, a clear example of Anup Sastry’s songwriting skills. This is what I love most about his style of playing, how he oscillates between tech and hardcore.

The next song “Dreamer” wins in terms of catchiness and feels. The synth theme running throughout binds the song together well and makes it a complete song. I especially loved the drums in the outro; that whole section is melodic and epic and makes you wish it would go on forever. Sastry has got a masterful sense of melody. The final and my favourite song off the EP, “Pariah”, is one powerful song with interesting melodies, chord progressions and grooves that slap you across your awestruck face, figuratively. The drums are off-the-hook on this one. And what a tasteful guest solo by Nicholas Llerandi (guitarist of Ever Forthright) and what a great ending to the EP! It might be just me but I heard a common theme in the intros of “Titan” and “Pariah”. Play just the intros of both songs one after another and see if you can hear it too.

It is really hard to point out any negative aspects of the EP, it really is. Everything is top notch, from the drums to the guitars and melodies. In moments where I felt the transitions of the guitar parts weren’t as smooth the drums compensated them with great fills. So there you go, a truly titanic record by Anup Sastry. Can’t wait for another intense burst of creative genius from the man.