Review NORTH SEA ECHOES ‘Really Good Terrible Things’

If two of the most important protagonists of progressive rock and metal music work together, the result can only be great. North Sea Echoes is such a joining of forces.

Ray Alder and Jim Matheos, both with a shared background in Fates Warning and also known for numerous other projects and solo releases, have teamed up under the banner of North Sea Echoes. The result of their efforts is now hitting the record stores and goes by the name of ‘Really Good Terrible Things’.

Really good is a lot about this release while there is not one terrible thing present. Each of the ten songs on this record is a deep and emotional journey that you don’t want to miss.

Hereby, North Sea Echoes is more reminiscent of Tuesday The Sky than Fates Warning. Matheos began working on new songs for his solo project, but quickly realized that vocals would fit in well with the new song ideas.

The mood of this record is anchored in deep melancholy and closing your eyes evokes images of a foggy North Sea beach in winter. At the same time, the soundscapes created are captivating and there is a constant curiosity about what the fog will reveal when it clears. This does not happen on the first listen. However, ingenious moments open up in which Alder’s voice and above all Matheo’s delicate and gentle guitar sounds enchant the listener.

From the earnest ‘Open Book’ to the menacing ‘Empty’ to the reflective closer ‘No Maps’, ‘Really Good Terrible Things’ captivates with songs that showcase the dedication and great craftsmanship of Matheos and Alder. Combined with a sheer unlimited creativity and an unbridled passion for music, the two greats manage to create an album that will impress even the one or other denim and leather metalhead.