Traversus was formed in 2021 in Emmen, located in Eastern Holland. Their debut EP "The Only Way Is Through" was released in September 2023, and their music is primarily characterized by melodic/progressive rock/metal.
Lineup:
Joey Wessels: lead guitar / backing vocals
Diko Eleveld: bassguitar
Madelief de Groot: lead vocals / rhythm guitar
Liam de Groot: drums
The EP was recorded with renowned producer Joost van den Broek (Epica, Ayreon, Powerwolf) and perfectly captures the band's reasonably complex, yet highly catchy sound. Lyrically, the band touches on personal struggles as well as societal issues, such as the effect that today's society has on mental health.
On September 12th, the band released another EP - the release titled "Navigate" was also produced under the wings of Joost van den Broek. The drums and vocals were recorded at Sandlane Recording Facilities with engineer Jos Driessen, while the guitar and bass recordings were made in collaboration with Ian G Sound Endeavors.
I had the honor of being able to listen to the songs after Hard Life Promotion presented the opportunity. Many thanks to them!
Sufficiently unsettling yet captivating for precisely that reason, "Headline Anxiety" greets us as the opening track. Madelief's voice virtually tears the soul apart – conjuring painful yet breathtakingly beautiful melodies from her throat. "No Way To Silence Me" suggests a more optimistic mood, operating with a more pulsating tempo and stunning riffs, while "Eye To Eye" literally rips your face off and clearly strengthens the progressive direction with its melodic sophistication and unforgettable chorus.
There's a special duality in Madelief's voice – alongside pain and anguish, hope vibrates there as well. The vocalist incredibly consciously exploits her vocal abilities, but the instrumental section doesn't lag behind either, delivering exceptionally high standards in every single song. "Maybe In Another Life" strikes with a brutal opening and embeds itself deeply in memory with its bouncing rhythms and thick guitar riffs. "When The World Goes To Waste" also displays remarkable strengths, while "Dead Hands" gradually hardens after its deceptively peaceful start to reach its true power by the middle of the song.
The six compositions heard on the EP undoubtedly move on progressive rock/metal ground, but unlike most similar formations, melody dominates here – instead of growls, only Madelief's crystal-clear soprano leads the songs, conveying deep emotions to the audience.
This is an exceptionally well-crafted EP, based on which a truly bright future lies ahead for the band. Thanks once again to the Hard Life Promotion team for the opportunity!
Tracklist:
01. Headline Anxiety
02. No Way To Silence Me
03. Eye To Eye
04. Maybe In Another Life
05. When The World Goes To Waste
06. Dead Hands
