Episode 27 – Fall Into Overdrive: Spiral Architect’s Tech-Metal Masterwork

A Skeptic’s Universe is what happens when student becomes master. Spiral Architect’s school years were spent in obscurity, honing their craft, learning their lessons, keeping their noses to the grindstone. In 1998 they began work on their master’s thesis, and in early 2000, upon publication, earned a spot on the lonely pedestal of top-tier tech metal. While owing debts to Watchtower, Fates Warning, Psychotic Waltz, Sieges Even, Toxik and Cynic, the young Norwegians upstaged them all with a most vicious merging of high-test progressive metal, bubbling fusion ferocity, and laboratory-borne aural pathogens. Music cited, in order of appearance: “Spinning” (A Skeptic’s Universe, 2000) “Excessit” (A Skeptic’s Universe, 2000) “Moving Spirit” (A Skeptic’s Universe, 2000) “Occam’s Razor” (A Skeptic’s Universe, 2000) “Insect,” two passages (A Skeptic’s Universe, 2000) “Cloud Constructor” (A Skeptic’s Universe, 2000) “Conjuring Collapse,” two passages (A Skeptic’s Universe, 2000) “Adaptability” (A Skeptic’s Universe, 2000) “Fountainhead” (A Skeptic’s Universe, 2000) “Prelude to Ruin,” two passages (A Skeptic’s Universe, Japanese version bonus track, 2000) Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it. This is Radical Research Podcast episode 27