Music Banter - View Single Post

Unknown Soldier · 06-26-2013, 03:15 PM

1. What were your VERY FIRST impressions on listening to the album, say from the first five minutes in?
Much heavier than I expected it to be, but then after reading about the band being influenced by the likes of Dream Theater and Queensryche that explained everything. The band were pretty impressive over the opening track of 10 mins.

2. What did you think of the opening tracks?
"Perpetual Child" is a rocker and a strong track, despite the obvious 90s Rush influences. "Spare Chicken Parts" was a good instrumental for a song so long,

3. What did you think of the later tracks?
"The bottom line" really stood out for me in the later part of the album. Overall I couldn't find a fault and enjoyed the piano focused "One Look Away".

4. Did you like the vocalist? Hate him/her? Any impressions?
Josh Pincus is a strong vocalist and I've already mentioned that he reminds me a lot of Dennis de Young in his vocal style.

5. Did the music (only) generally appeal to you, or not?
Yes as I love Dream Theater and I like long instrumental intros which show the proficiency of the band. Also as far as I'm concerned there is nothing wrong with musical wankery either, but then again I'm a power metal nut, so I like that kind of thing. But saying all that, I'm not a big fan of instrumentals on their own and like there to be some kind of singing. I also thought the keyboards and drumming here were good as well.

6.Did the album get better or worse as you listened to it (first time)?
Got stronger, but I don't think they needed an almost 9 minute instrumental this early on the album.

7. What did you think of the lyrical content?
I thought the lyrical content quite good and with some good touches here and there.

8. Did you like the instrumental parts?
I really liked the band's metal sound on the album and as per usual I couldn't find fault with the instrumentals of the band at all.

9. What did you think of the production?
Very good and solid throughout, couldn't fault it in any way.

10. How well do you already know the band/artist?
Had never heard of them before.

11. What sub-genre, if any, would you assign this music to?
Progressive metal.

12. On repeated listens, did you find you liked the album more, or less?
About the same and remained steady for me throughout.

13. What would you class as your favourite track, if you have one?
"The Bottom Line" probably my favourite, "Spare Chicken Parts" I enjoyed it for an instrumental and the title track was good.

14. And the one you liked least?
No really weak tracks but "Sleepwalker" was a weaker second track.

15. Did the fact that this album is a debut allow it, in your mind, any leeway, and if so, was that decision justified or vindicated?
It's a strong debut for sure, but I do think there was too big an influence of their influences coming through. The lead singer amazingly at times sounds like Dennis de Young of Styx.

16. Are you now looking forward to hearing other albums by the band/artist?
Read that they only have one more album, but yes I would like to give it a listen and also to spend more time with this album their debut.

17. Did you get, thematically, the idea behind the album if there was one?
It's all about industrialisation a progress, but I know that because Trollheart told me so.

18. Did the album end well?
"To Say Goodbye Part II" is amongst one of the strongest tracks on the album. Overall the album encompasses a real range of heavy powered to softer sounding tracks and does both equally well.

19. Do you see any way the album could have been improved?
If it were 10 mins shorter, it would be an even better album.

20. Do you think the album hung together well, ie was a fully cohesive unit, or was it a bit hit-and-miss?
The album seemed tight and focused beginning to end and was cohesive in every way.

Ratiing:8.5 out of 10