The Lucidia Project – Requiem

The Lucidia Project
Requiem
Label: Wormholedeath
Out: September 6^th, 2024
Playing time: 21:42

The Lucidia Project is a project that attempts to create a modern version of Symphonic Metal. Alternative Rock/Metal, Doom Metal, elements of Gothic and Death Metal as well as piano-driven pop music are mixed together. The project was founded in 2022 by singer/pianist Chase Baldwin and bassist/guitarist Ben Jacobs in Fargo (US state of North Dakota). The now five-piece band released a self-titled demo in 2022. One year later, work began on the EP ‘Requiem’. This was apparently initially released independently. In September of this year, a re-release was published via Wormholedeath.

The EP starts with the title track ‘Requiem’. After a brief introduction of sound playfulness, a powerful Melodic Rock song can be heard. Drums and bass provide a banging rhythmic underlay. Chase Baldwin’s clear, powerful vocals are unagitated. ‘Eventide’ is no less powerful. Piano and keyboard carpets are clearly to be heard in the background. But without pushing themselves too much into the foreground. The singer surprises with subtle growls. Towards the end there is an – unfortunately much too short – guitar solo. The contemplative ballad ‘Deliverance’ starts with a calm piano introduction. The piano remains present later on and, together with keyboard sounds, underpins the calm vocals. The rhythm instruments essentially remain in the background. Everyone should decide for themselves whether the short piano interlude ‘Interlude (Seeing The Truth)’ is really necessary. In my opinion, it is dispensable. But the rocking ‘…The End Of The Lies’ makes up for it somewhat. The drums and bass are booming again. Chase Baldwin alternates again between growls and clear vocals, if the growls are actually his. Unfortunately, the press info is silent on this.

The mixture of different Rock and Metal genres announced in the introduction turns out to be solidly recorded Melodic Rock with a slight Metal edge on ‘Requiem’. Chase Baldwin’s voice suits it very well. You can also hear him on the key instruments again and again. Bass and drums provide a powerful sound. Except for the ballad and the instrumental interlude. However, I would have hoped for a little more guitar power from two guitarists. Unfortunately, they mostly hold back discreetly.

The Lucidia Project – Eventide: https://youtu.be/f4Ozzod__vg?si=CuOCP7BSygJ5KawL

Lineup:

Chase Baldwin – Vocals, Pianos, Arrangements
Benjamin Jacobs – Bass, Guitars
Daniel Williams – Guitars
Chris (David) Polasky – Guitars
Bruce Reisenauer – Drums

Track list:

• Requiem
• Eventide
• Deliverance
• Interlude (Seeing the Truth)
• …The End of the Lies