When I first got a hold of this record, I didn't like it at all. I'm not a big progressive power metal fan, but over time, it just made sense. With Chuck during his final years progressing so far on the the songwriting and lyrics, I was hoping for something closer to sounding like Death. But the thing is, I expected the unexpected. The riffs and leads are so Chuck totally. You can feel the vibe from him, it's apparent.
Really slow paced songs with bar chords galore, a little bit faster guitars on some songs, and the groove really kicking butt. Such atmosphere, awe inspiring. This time around Chuck is no longer on the vocal department. Tim Aymar took over as Chuck's goal was to put out something totally progressive like Death was, just a different voice. Tim really sings with vigor and diversity. Some screaming, but all of the voice representing the music precisely.
There were a lot of atmospheric effects on this album that augmented the whole of Control Denied's release here. The guitars always changing around, slow tempos, faster tempos, but totally Chuck. Acoustic pieces as well. The tempo changes were all over the place. A mild metal album with Chuck's solos dominating. Shannon Hamm putting out some good lead work as well. But you could totally tell what was Chuck.
Lyrics were mainly focused on humanity and society. Perfect topics to fit the music. This album is the most progressive power metal that I've ever heard. Rhythm guitars that just dominated with such variety. But it fit together, the whole album. Some tempos faster than others, pretty much all over the place. Reminds me of old Opeth, just not as heavy. The tempo changes much like them though, just like them.
I'd say that the strongest element here would be the music, the vibe, the vocals and production sound and quality. Everything here just lets the metal flow. It's a total chill mood release, something to definitely check out if you're a progressive power metal fan. I haven't heard many bands that reflect this genre. It seems like it's pretty much extinct. But I could be wrong. Just to my knowledge, Chuck put together a perfect record with music that's so original and lyrics that fit so well with the music.
If you like power metal in general, even the progressive type, then I think that you would enjoy this release. I'd say any metal fan could like this record. It's perfectly orchestrated and the music is filled with melodic riffs galore. The vocal department works here, not discounting Chuck's efforts with Death at all though. He made the right choice in selecting Tim Aymar to fill in on this department. Everything just worked here. No complaints, a perfect record to chill to and enjoy.
Rating: 10 (out of 10) ratings explained
Reviewed by Death8699
08/07/2012 18:15