Force Majeure present their 3rd demo. Melodic metal is how they call themselves and I'm fine with that (no, I'm not tired to come up with something else). Musical ground the band cover is quite wide.

Positive 'Reach out' is a shortish rocker. Memorable main lead is cool and catchy. Synths are usual "baroque" tinkling which I find boring. The song is driving, but somewhat ballsless. 'The Halo Effect' is one of the better songs on this demo. More heavier, slower approach works much better and there's some great guitar stuff here, especially that twin guitar part and solos. Synths are more modern, soundtrack-ish Nightwish style and fit well to the song. Definitely more ballsy, more metal, stuff! 'Trinity' get things heavier (bass is heavier) again and rolls on partly well. 'Planetwaves' is a power metal song, but somewhat powerless. Chorus is simply too familiar from numerous German bands. 'Division Blue' is the main attraction. This epic, multipart song is well composed and performed. Should I say "balls are back"! Mid-paced, heavy, Maiden-esque twin guitars and riffage (and a Harris-esque bass part!), great vocal lines (and a nice whooaa-whooaaa part), more energetic drumming and pounding bass. This song truly works and is the most original of these five songs.

Drummer sounds like he has no joy of playing, like he's not relaxed. The drumming also drags a bit in every song. I bet the drums were recorded first and that's the main reason why they sound like this. Guitarists handle their axes well and solos are good all around. Bassist is skilled player. He goes from basic stuff to Steve Harris and to funky playing. Vocalist is definitely different for this kind of a band. He is not a very good singer and it feels like he doesn't really go for it, but on the other hand his voice is quite personal. I hear Voivod's Snake (post 1990s) in his voice and it helps forgetting his crummier sides. At least usually, but on 'Planetwaves' he doesn't sound good. Lyrical themes include e.g. bad relationships, science fiction and holy wars. Varying themes, varying music. Soundwise this is okay. The bass and guitars sound good, but the drums do not.

All in all, there's one very strong song, the title song. Two partly very good ones, one good rocker, and one boring power metal song. Good balance. Some fine tuning here and there and maybe an album. 'Division Blue's chorus is playing in my mind now. And I bet it will play for a long time...

Reviewed by Lane
01/12/2004 22:55