Cheope
Downloadideas

To tell the whole truth, in eighteen years and more of listening, I really thought I had heard and read everything: compromising statements and proclamations that, perhaps, later turned out to be unfounded. But then, I must shamelessly admit that I was wrong, yes, also because I had never been aware of progressive nu-metal, not until I came across the debut work "Downloadideas" by the Roman band Cheope.

Another contradictory claim, or pure and simple artistic revelation? As usual, the truth lies in the middle, meaning that the Cheope and their entourage, in proclaiming their affiliation, if I may say so, to this new musical genre, did not stray that far from stating the truth. Indeed, from what can be gathered from repeated listening of this album, the whole record revolves around a musical medley, a mixture of sounds that, starting from a strong modernist component—excuse me, but I don’t like to use the term nu-metal—which still represents the backbone of each of these songs, is increasingly suffused with flashes and references that lead insistently to deliberately progressive metal passages. These elements can be found in the creation of certain soundscapes as well as in the always carefully crafted and somewhat sophisticated arrangements, which bear the imprint of a certain American factory sound of Dream Theater/Fates Warning, especially those from their latest albums. This brings to light a compact and substantial metallic groove that will certainly appeal to the most demanding listeners of both "factions." Yes, I realize it myself, a nonsensical concept that instills even more doubt about the musical and artistic proposal of the five, even if Cheope does their utmost to appear as ambiguous as possible. Just think that the album was published by a label specialized in punk rock and derivatives, and you'll understand much of this mess. However, apart from all this initial fuss, I must shamelessly admit that overall the CD is also meticulously crafted, boasting a powerful and crystalline sound, a very rich booklet, and a package that's nothing short of superb.

So, all smoke and no fire? Not true, also because, as mentioned earlier, during the listening of these fourteen tracks, the band in question repeatedly shows they have many arrows in their quiver, relying on instrumental mastery and artistic caliber well above expectations. This takes them on more than one occasion to perform sonic evolutions of a certain elitist heritage, which naturally characterize songs best with catchy redundant melodies like the hit single "Gravity Kills", truly irresistible, the hypnotic and dark "On Air" with its tribal rhythms, the explosive "Leave me alone", or the ever-changing title track "Downloadideas", in which the heavy progressive component certainly assumes a significant importance. There is also the magnetic and open-minded "Again", divided between goth/new wave references, heavier openings, and a ragamuffin break that naturally distinguishes its uniqueness.
Thus, a sonic fabric that is quite personal and rather intricate, progressive in the broadest sense of the term, in the variation of phrases, in the odd times of a rhythm section always in focus. All this is conducted with a certain ease and skill from a band that manages to bring together in a single context really opposing musical sections.

In conclusion, I can only reiterate the most important thing: "Downloadideas" is a CD to be listened to and listened to again without any preconceived notions. Surely Cheope, as I read somewhere, hasn’t invented anything new, yet they're able to shuffle the cards with wisdom and a certain spontaneity, striving to be personal and convincing just enough. As usual, time, and of course the public, will say if they were right. Shall we bet?