CD Review
Urizen – Autocratopolis Demo

Originally formed under the name "Dunwich Horror," Urizen, pronounced "your reason," came to Dallas in search of new inspiration for their work in progress, Autocratopolis. Consisting of guitarist/vocalist Thomas Drinnen, guitarist Jeremy Zick, keyboardist Daniel Drinnen, and drummer Julio Escamilla, Urizen are out to create a mix "of genre confusion, metal and mischief!" I will say that confusion was definitely created as I listened to the Autocratopolis demo. While listening to never felt so dreadful, the first song on the disc, I was reminded less of rock/metal and more of the second act of Phantom of the Opera. Drinnen's keyboarding is frighteningly reminiscent of the pipe organ played by that masked madman and although the band does have excellent harmonies, the overall feel is less than effective. None of this was as bothersome, however, as Escamilla's excessive use of the bass drum. At first, I thought that the CD was skipping, but when the song kept playing I realized it was actually the bass drum. Despite all of my complaints, the members of Urizen are obviously talented musicians who seem to know what they want out of their music. It's not my cup of tea, but don't write them off completely because of this review. Check them out for yourselves at www.UrizenOnline.com

Ben Hudson
dallasmusic.com
staff writer
harbidon@gmail.com