Nascent are a new near instrumental prog metal outfit from Boston, USA. The vocals that do surface are so infrequent, that _Nascent_ is for all intents and purposes an instrumental album. Which it should have been, as Jeff Briggs (vocals, guitar, bass, and synth) is as poor a vocalist as he is good a musician. The project is rounded off by the presence of Libor Hadrava on drums and a few aides on bass and electric piano.The omnipresent dark and contemplative atmosphere is influenced by a heavy dose of '70s prog rock and jazz. This is starting to sound an awful lot like Opeth, but any similarities spring from drawing upon a common well of inspiration rather than any attempt at imitation. Solos are short and melodic, whilst the synth provides a soft background enhancement.
Nascent won't be the first prog-minded band to indulge in extended bouts that are best appreciated by other similar minded individuals, but the brooding melancholy adds a different dimension and elevates them above the average and into the realm of the good. An immensely enjoyable album for fans of everyone from Dream Theater through to _Deliverance_.