Scale the Summit

Scale the Summit

Playing instrumental metal may be an uphill battle, but this jazzy, still-young Houston quartet is happy to let its strings carry the conversation. At times recalling their heroes Dream Theater, the band calls their brand of thrilling prog-rock "adventure metal," an apt description for music that could soundtrack freestyle skiing films. In short, things get heavy real fast on this sterling follow-up to 2009's Carving Desert Canyons. Would-be Guitar World cover boys Chris Letchford and Travis Levrier spin sticky, strung-out melodies lasting from less than three minutes to thunderous eight-minute opus "Black Hills." Produced by Mark Lewis (All That Remains), this release also finds the band a true collective, with increased contributions from drummer Pat Skeffington and bassist Jordan Eberhardt. From the torrid opener "Colossal," through the fusion-tinted quickie "Emersion," to the soaring outro "Drifting Figures," the Summit has many ways to take you higher. (Fri., 1am, Valhalla)