Flattening Mountains and Creating Empires

VINYL FORMAT. Since the inception of Vermilion over three years ago, this Seattle quartet has been hard at work, intricately fusing various elements of the musical spectrum. By focusing on fine details and drawing on a multitude of influences such as jazz, classical music, art rock, and metal, the members of Vermilion merge their abilities to create instrumental masterpieces. Unpredictable time changes, indulgent heavy riffs, and timid melodies coupled with demented staccato hiccups, ascend towards intense euphoria, and then onward again into something more abstract. The standard four-piece setup of guitar duo, bass, and drums is occasionally complemented by piano, abrasive trumpet, a string quartet, and very minimal, direct vocal projections. Vermilion is successful in using every element available to them including absolute silence. Unconventional, yet quite listen able, this is music for those who expect more from a rock band.
Their debut full length on Redwood Records entitled "Flattening Mountains and Creating Empires" tears the envelope of prog rock apart and puts it through the shredder. Recorded in Chicago by Steve Albini, the album takes a new approach to the old, rebuilding from the foundation up. Here are four unique, sonically rich, and dynamic songs that demand repeat listening. Notice how the first track sounds like Mt. St. Helens blowing its fucking top off. Orginal cover art by Roger Dean.