ALBUM REVIEW: “Gargantuan” by Amplifier

Formed in Manchester in 1999, Amplifier are an English progressive rock band led by guitarist Sel Balamir's and drummer Matt Brobin. Described as a blend of Soundgarden, Tool, Black Sabbath, Oceansize and Pink Floyd “taking copious amounts of mind-altering substances and venturing on a trip through time and space (to another dimension), and back again." Their sound is characterised by the use of extended heavy sections, atmospheric compositions and philosophical lyrics. To date they have released seven albums; their self-titled debut in 2004, “Insider” (2006), “The Octopus” (2011), “Echo Street” (2013), “Mystoria” (2014), “Trippin' with Dr. Faustus” (2017) and 2023’s “Hologram”.

Their latest release “Gargantuan” will be released on 4th April 2025 via Rockosmos Records and is available to pre-order HERE.

“Gargantuan” feels like a step back in time as well as a journey into the new and unknown. A return of sorts to the band’s roots, having a more raw, electric energy to it, but at the same time, pushing new sonic boundaries and techniques.

Well-crafted the new material is exciting and engaging as Amplifier continues to blend progressive rock with experimental textures, utilising Sel Balamir’s array of foot pedals.

The opening track Gateway delivers a dark and heavy introduction to “Gargantuan” with it’s atmospheric styling. This is followed by the lead single Invader which is a prime example of the band's direction. A delightful wall of sound, pulsating and monolithic, it delivers an intensity but while captivating us with its haunting melodies. Sel Balamir has described it as an Amplifier classic in the making, and I don’t think he’s too wide of the mark !

Check out the video for Invader below:

Blackhole delivers some thunderous and pacey drums with a distinct electro feel to it. The synth elements are both delicate but have a rich complexity to them giving it dynamic interest.

This sits as a juxtaposition to the next track King Kong which has an altogether different feel. There’s an eastern feel to some of the structures in it. It’s punchy and quirky. The keys flip between classic Hammond sounds to futuristic pads creating some wild atmospheric elements. This is pulled together with an electro groove and some fuzzy guitar tones thrown in for good measure. It’s eclectic, idiosyncratic and utterly brilliant.

Next up is the slow burning Pyramid which again has a different sonic structure. Here there’s a dark, smouldering, almost droning under current of sound which the drums sit prominently on top of. The guitar parts rise above this with a slightly de-tuned sound. A complex sound, but one that rewards the listener who is willing to sit and envelope themselves in it, as on each listening, you pick out different nuances and sounds, expanding the track further. Quite possibly my favourite on the album.

With Entity and Guilty Pleasure there’s a return to a more traditional prog rock feel, and less experimental. The drum patterns are complex and intricate and the guitars dish out a fuzzy heavy groove tone.

Cross Dissolve starts with a crisp clear guitar tone as this gentle giant of a track unfurls before us. It reminded me (especially with the vocals) of Rverside. The album’s final track is yet another change in style, once more with an experimental feel. The intro sectionalmost reminded me of the work of someone like Philp Glass, with a cascading waterfall like sound effect, through which the crystal clear tones gently pierce. The lyrics sit gently on top and feel like they almost glide along against this dreamy backdrop.

“Gargantuan” feels just that….. gargantuan with monumental walls of sound, droning synths, thunderous drum rhythms and mean fuzzy guitar riffs.

Overall, I really enjoyed “Gargantuan”. It has a diverse and intricate range of sounds and styles that reward the listener the more you embrace it. It’s packed with highlights and complex, and not forgetting some incredible drumming. Every song is well-crafted and well-executed.

Amplifer have delivered a great album, a stunning blend of prog rock styling with some intricate, complex and creative experimental sections. They mix these with aplomb and the result is breathtaking.

A richly deserved 9.0/10 from LiveWire Music