Evolution is something that many of us love to talk about, yet it is a tricky thing that is extremely hard to accomplish even for the most talented of musicians. It’s the sort of accomplishment that sets the truly talented apart from much of the aimless rabble that struggle to get a good grip on whatever sound they’re hoping to achieve, and to witness a band break that barrier to rise above and become something more is to witness greatness at play. When Gigafauna first came before me five years ago, I knew progressive metal had gained a special name. Now, with the arrival of their third album, Gigafauna proves to be much more.

Lately, I have found myself wanting just a little bit more out of the realms of progressive metal. Where there’s potential, it’s just not often enough that we get a band that comes around that doesn’t just tap into that latent range of possibilities, but truly embodies what the sound can be when it has a goal in mind rather than simply trying to put on a colorful display. Gigafauna did quite a good job at doing so thus far through their run, yet it is with everything that was brought forth within “Eye to Windward” that we get to see a side of the band that is just fascinating gaze upon and beyond satisfying to become lost within. It’s a winding path that Gigafauna takes us down. Every bend in the road offers a new marvel to become enamored with as the light of the galaxy itself seem to brighten and darken to the very whim of the band as it’s through the captivating songwriting and engaging performances from everyone involved that this album takes on a life of its own whose own breath is just fascinating to behold. Almost as unpredictable as a solar flare yet none the lesser in terrific power, “Eye to Windward” has much to uncover should you seek to dive into this cosmic realm where the bounds of reality itself fold in on themselves. Progressive metal as it should be: unyielding, largely unpredictable, and bold in damn near every fashion.

Where plenty of bands seek to advance their sound, there are always those that seek to go above and beyond to become something far more with Gigafauna more than proving to be fit for such a description with everything they’ve put forth here. As devastating as it is awe-inspiring, the very bones of “Eye to Windward” should be more than enough to make one realize the magnitude of such an act that we have here. Without doubt, Gigafauna is poised to do great things.

“Eye to Windward” releases on May 16th!

LISTEN to Gigafauna on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Gigafauna on Facebook here.

FOLLOW Gigafauna on Instagram here.