Meridian – ‘Margin of Error’ (Mighty Music)

By Phil Cooper

Danish melodic metal five-piece, Meridian have returned with their third album. ‘Margin of Error’ sees the band offer up 11 tracks to build upon their reputation following 2016 release ‘Breaking the Surface’. Featuring a now cemented line up with the addition of guitarist Marco Angioni, Meridian are looking to put forward a unified sound for their metal style. Having started work on the album in 2017, the initial result was a four track EP ‘The Fate of Atlantis’ released in early 2018 the tracks of which are included on this album. The remainder of the year saw the creation of the following seven tracks to round out the record. With ‘Margin of Error’ now complete, what have Meridian brought to the table?

Album opener ‘The Devil Inside Us All’ kicks in with a full band wall of sound following the count in. Crunching guitar riffs, rumbling bass lines and attacking drums are the order of the day as all the metal elements are combined by the band. The vocals cut through the top of the mix delivering a high range melody. As the track progresses an underlying palm muted guitar melody provides a catchy hook line underneath the relentless rhythm section. The mix gives each instrument a solid, defined place but unifies it into a wall of sound that doesn’t get muddy with any instrument overpowering another. It’s a statement of intent for what is to come.

‘Off to War’ is the first of the four tracks from the initial EP release. For those that missed it first time round it represents a slice of NWOBHM inspired power metal. Maiden esque galloping guitar riffs combined with relentless drumming and Biff Byford style vocals overlaying the whole track. It differs from the opening track as an out and out metal assault with a rapid-fire guitar solo and a tempo that pulls the listener in and does not let up until the final note rings out. ‘Second Best’ eases off the tempo from ‘Off to War’ with a head down no-nonsense crunching guitar riff backed up by a stomping rhythm. The vocals lead the melody and lift the track into the chorus sections as the delivery range shifts up in register. Once again, the guitar solo is well crafted and complimentary and mimics the vocal melody pattern.

The style of the album has been firmly established by the time the title track kicks in. Meridian are able to offer up big catchy melodies delivered by the vocals and backed up by a twin guitar attack while the powerhouse rhythm section holds down the foundations. The title track is no exception, ‘Margin of Error’ follows the patterns and song structure already laid out but still retains sonic interest for the listener. The guitar solo has a call and response aspect between the twin guitars duelling it out. The breakdown section adds an almost prog metal element to the track as it diverges from the standard metal norm and offers a different scope for the sound before returning to a chorus refrain for the outro.

The latter half of the album features the remainder of the 2018 EP with ‘Fragments of a Life’ following the title track and ‘Scream for Me’ providing the album closer. The former of these two has a further prog metal feel akin to Queensryche. With more space given to the mix provided by a wash of reverb, the vocals move the track in a way similar to ‘Silent Lucidity’ but with the music providing a heavier backing to the melody. ‘Circle the Drain’ reprises the earlier heard NWOBHM elements with a rapid tempo and pounding drums. Lyrically, the track takes on a suitably heavy metal aspect in dealing with death, but is delivered in a well-crafted manner. Indeed, Meridian are able to deliver all of their lyric ideas in a clear way which allows the listener to access the subject matter of the tracks whether that be daily life struggles, mental health or global warming. There are issues that can be recognised and related to but wrapped up in a catchy melody or sing along chorus.

There’s a lot on offer throughout ‘Margin of Error’. Musically there’s the aforementioned straight up metal numbers, progressive vibes and big melodies. There are also towering metal anthems in the form of ‘Drowning the Miracle’ and ‘In Nothingness’ both of which feature powerful guitar riffs that drive the music forward. It’s an album that represents a band coming together with a coherent vision of their sound and how it should be delivered. Each instrument works to complement the next aided by the production giving clarity to each individual but unifying the wall of sound. There’s catchy hooks and lyrics that work with the soundscape framework. If there is criticism to be found it could be suggested that the addition of four previously released tracks represents a lack of creativity and a possible move to just fill the albums track list in time for release. However, given the strength of those songs included and the fact that they do not seem out of place with the new material removes that argument. Also, it’s great for those of us that missed them first time round!

‘Margin of Error’ is released on 22 March. You can get your copy HERE.

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