Chasing Zeniths – Epochs Changing

Chasing Zeniths is the progressive and symphonic rock brainchild of songwriter, composer and vocalist Carl Kernie. His base is in Seattle, Washington, but his latest project Chasing Zeniths is an international project consisting of 10 renowned musicians from around the world. Usually we don’t do an introduction of each band member, but we will take exception here due to the amount of musicians participating on the record. Thus, Epochs Changing features appearances by Charlotte Wessels (Ex-Delain), Anna Murphy (Cellar Darling, ex-Eluveitie), Lauren Hart (Once Human), Marco Pastorino (Temperance), Timo Somers (ex-Delain, Ayreon), Roman Engen (Thornbound, Villmark, Hexenbeast) among others renowned musicians.

Two weeks ago, the brainchild beind this project – Carl Kernie, was kind to send me a physical signed copy of Chasing Zeniths’ debut album entitled Epochs Changing. I’ve been listening to this record a lot these days. The album’s featuring 10 breathtaking performances where they unleash a broad variety of musical styles from symphonic and folk to prog rock and metal. Lyrics are rooted deeply in personal reflection and experiences of the band’s songwriter and composer. Their mix of progressive and symphonic rock/metal means that they’re constantly expanding their boundaries while maintaining strong focus on instrumental virtuosity, and simlutaneously introducing an extensive usage of keyboards and orchestrations and soprano female vocalists (paired with male vocals of Carl Kernie) often sound astounding and distinctive.

With songs like “Midnight Roses”, “Unmourned Amnesia” and the closing “Pathfinder” they’ve created more complex compositions utilizing multiple time signature changes and a with encreased focus on musicianship. Although each song tells a story and features performances by world-class guests, my album highlight is the mid-length song named “Ever Shall We Roam” (watch video below), mainly due to the fantastic vocal performances of Carl Kernie and Charlotte Wessels, where Charlotte also takes care of clarinet, resulting in this interesting avant-garde/prog dreamy melodic sound that is mesmerizing.

I would also ask you to pay attention to the beautiful album cover with an imagery suggesting that even though you might be trapped in the throes of a terrible experience, you can overcome it and find a better future just on the horizon in front of you. A positive and inspirational message at the end of this review. As stated in the press, “…Epochs Changing is the result of years of grit and determination to create unique soundscapes that will hopefully inspire others to pursue what is most important to them.” If that was main objective with this album, then I must say that they’ve succeeded.

A brief summary; comprised of 10 songs for over 67 minutes of duration Epochs Changing is posed to bring excitement to those who enjoy progressive/symphonic rock and bands as Dream Theater, Nightwish, Opeth, Rush, Kamelot, Epica and Ayreon.

The album is available as a digital and digipak signed by composer and vocalist Carl Kernie, including a 24-page booklet with lyrics, illustrations, liner notes and photos of the band and guest artists. For more information visit https://chasingzeniths.bandcamp.com/album/epochs-changing