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Have you ever thought
what kinds of bands exist under the
ground? Have you ever thought that
these bands strive under unfavorable
conditions and try to make their best
out of nothing? Have you ever thought
what kind of reward these bands expect?
"Answers"
is the second full length release
of this American progressive metal
trio and it is the irritant of these
questions. "Answers" is
an amazing release that will help
you answer such kind of questions.
It's a prog metal release that doesn't
duplicate already known formulas or
seeks for exits to the extreme dimension
of "progressive" metal.
Having as a guide the notions of Fates
Warning and Savatage (late ones) the
band creates a truly recognizable
sound. The opening track "Passion
of My Heart" is really astonishing
with the elegant use of keyboards,
while the middle tracks "The
Way Of Death" and "Decisions"
with the assistance of Beverly Luse
are also notable. During the whole
album the band shows a clear preference
to melodic lines and simple structures
(as far as typical progressive metal
concerns). Yet you can't say that
the atmosphere is light, rather you
would argue on the deep and sometimes
dark feelings. The band's music owns
a lot to the keyboard contributions
by Tim Becker, yet Leon Ozug does
a very good job primary on the vocals
and secondly on guitars. Finally I
think that the addition of Chad Lenig
behind the drumkit has given the adequate
depth and warmth in their sound (their
prior album "Regeneration"
was performed only by the two first
members, previously in Aztec Jade).
My main objection
is the mediocre level of the production.
It boldly indicates that it was done
in some sort of home studio and doesn't
provide the appropriate surrounding
for the joyous listening of the album.
The encoded title of the CD within
the lyrics it's another interesting
feature of this release, as well as
the well-crafted artwork. To my opinion,
this is an excellent release. It's
progressive metal wholeness meets
passion and a dedicated vision for
quality in music. I can't ignore its
drawback, but for me Ascension Theory
have offered us a small diamond that
the worshipers of underground metal
music will adore. Furthermore, I see
that in a land that is occupied by
r'n'b macho misogynists there is a
core of great progressive metal acts
(i.e. Redemption, Ascension Theory,
Cea Serin etc.) that can keep the
flame burning. So we own to them a
big "congratulations". |
