A Little Background
Divided By Design are a 3-piece band comprising of Liam Stephenson on guitars and programming, Tom Chambers on drums and also programming and finally Sam Young on bass. The band are an instrumental outfit; there are no vocals, so all one can focus on are the actual players, what they do, and what melodies they create. The band are from the UK and are “progressive metal”, although they have moments which are not particularly metal as they head into sound effects, ambient and the cinematic.
They have been around since around 2019 (their first singles date from then) and their first album in 2020 was called Stages To Osiris, which means this is a re-recording of that. Perhaps they felt things could be improved or indeed playing the tracks live has meant they now sound a little different and they wanted to capture that evolution or growth.
Different Leads Give Variety
The album is only around 30 minutes long and from the stream I was sent the tracks seem to flow into each other so not a moment is wasted. There are 5 tracks in all, the shortest at 5.36 and longest is 7.48. The timings allow for themes and melodies to be explored, played with, diversions to be made and moments of individual virtuosity to be shown. With 2 members also involved in programming it means there are all sorts of sounds being added to the mix so it sounds much larger than a 3-piece.
I think there are tracks which are led by each instrument during the course of the album, with “The Negotiation” definitely being bass-heavy, in fact there are some galloping bass lines that could easily fit onto an Iron Maiden song, whereas “Collapsing Reality” is definitely guitar focussed with some absolute shredding going on. “Denial” for me feels like it is the most drum-led track with fills aplenty going on. The last track focusses on the electronics and programming for the most part. There is something for everybody on the album.
Osiris? There are Good Reasons
“Denial” opens things up, electronic sounds and music fools you before a heavy groovy riff rushes in. I think I mentioned “drums” when it comes to this before, but hell I shall mention them again! There is a filthy bass sound to enjoy, a lovely guitar motif running through but under it all stands the drums. Fills here, fills there and all bloody great. The track does a switch around near the end as synths/programming comes in and we get an almost semi-religious vibe musically along with what sounds like a cello!
“Reactionary” doesn’t wait around, it comes straight in. The opening reminded me of Tool (“Schism“) but that doesn’t continue after a minute or so. There is loads of good riffage here to enjoy, especially the one near the end, yet a melody line is never too far away. “The Negotiation” as well as having Maiden meets DT vibes goes quite jazzy at one point before heading into a delicious guitar riff helped by orchestrated sounds. It gets more crazy before dropping back into the opening melody bringing us full circle.
Strangely (or maybe not, could be part of the reason for the name of the album) Osiris was the god of cycles of nature and agriculture where things go around to the beginning again each time. He was also god of death and rebirth which certainly fits with the album title as this is a rebirth of the first album made fresh. Oh the synth sounds on this reminded me of Rush. Thought I should mention that😂.
Kicking The Listener’s Arse!
“Collapsing Reality” heads into Tangerine Dream and Eloy territory a bit (as does the last track on the album) but is quite classical, or at least cinematic for a minute or so before shredding guitar, keys, drums, the whole shebang! This again is quite cyclical with themes returning in different guises at times. Being a longer piece, they take more time to explore those themes and spaces whilst still kicking the listener’s arse. Pleasing. They round it all off with “The Fatalist” which focuses on synths and programming for most of the duration. It goes from being quite light and jaunty into dark and ominous before the guitar, bass and drums finally come in.
Why They Sound So Good
I haven’t compared this fully to the original (will definitely do so) but on a quick listen this does seem fuller of sound, clearer as such. The band have written musical pieces like songs, if I may refer back to Rush here but the way they construct an instrumental, yes technical at times but always having melodies and moments of catchy rhythms allowing each musician to shine yet being interlocked throughout.
Themes are played with but return at various points. I felt all the songs had variety but kept a pattern that was easy enough to follow and flow with. Not wanky in anyway. That in my humble opinion is not easy to do. Anyone who enjoys great musicianship, instrumentals that actually seem well formed and actually have some hooks should really check these guys out. I know I plan to. Highly recommended.
Purchase Album Via Bandcamp HERE
Official Website // Official Facebook
Check out my other reviews and articles here. The New World Man
