Reviewed by Dave Palmer
I gotta tell you, I have really grown to love this band. I find it hard to believe, although true that this band was death. The bands sound across the last few records has been Gothic in nature and very catchy. It's like they have been at two extremes. The bands latest effort 'Fatal Design' doesn't reinvent the wheel, it just makes it better. The music grows from the last album 'dieversity'. There are similarities, but this album to me seems a bit heavier in ways. The core sound is virtually unchanged. Nice thick guitar rhythms, melodic vocals, good pounding low end, and depth brought in via the keyboards. It's a pretty complete approach that works very well, especially for the listener. I believe that alot of people, especially here domestically have Gothic confused. I think this style, especially Entwine could break the market open in a large way if given the opportunity. The people just have to know what it is and that it exists and you are part of the way there. 'Fatal Design' has the potential to be a pretty big album due to it's overall good flow. The album starts out with the title track 'Fatal Design' which is fairly typical sounding Entwine, but by the time you get to the second track 'Chameleon Halo', you start to get the feeling of how heavy this album is. That track is one of my favorite tracks on the album. Some of my other favorite tracks include 'Surrender', 'Oblivion', the upbeat rocker 'Twisted', 'Insomniac' which has a cool heavy vibe, and probably the most radio friendly and catchiest tune 'Break Me'. This is just an absolute great listen from start to end in my opinion.
Overall
This album is one of my most anticipated of 2006. I have been watching for word that this band was going to be releasing soon and it finally came. The album is hot off the manufacturing process at this point and has all of the goods to sell alot of copies. It is a bit heavier then the last Entwine album, but at the core is still similar in alot of ways. I would definitely have to say this is highly recommended!
Questions or Comments? Email Dave by clicking here.
Reviewed by Dave Palmer
Lion Music artist Seventh Wonder are back with the bands sophomore effort. For those who missed this band on their debut, they lean heavily to the Progressive side of metal. I don't find this band to really get out of control however or showoff if you like. They seem to be tight and in some ways a bit similar to Dream Theater that way. I would say where this band differs however is the delivery. Seventh Wonder's music is hard driving with Progressive elements, but I wouldn't consider them over technical. Just the right amount of flash to sound right in their music. They also work with a decent amount of melody. That is one of the elements I really like. The vocal melodies are very good. As a matter of fact, vocals overall are really good. With the amount of instrumentation going on in the bands music, it is nice to see vocal work get an equal ride. The album opens up with the track 'Star of David'. It rolls along from there through 8 very even and uniform tracks with tempos only varying to a small degree one way or the other. The little run of tracks from 'Not an Angel' through to the end of the album is really, really good. Good melodic nature to these tracks, but they also retain their bite. Between all of the tracks of this album, there really is quite alot to like for a variety of tastes. The band have their chops down musically and there is enough going on as far as ear friendly music that this album should do quite well if the music fans are made aware of how good it is and that it exists. That is my job, and now you know. Very good stuff!
Overall
Although this band gets more of a progressive classification, they are not the over the top flashy technical stuff you might imagine. The band has honed their craft, there is no doubt. They also have it in the tasteful songwriting department. Nothing ever really gets out of hand. It's all catchy and memorable with great amounts of melody. Definitely worth your time to check out!
Questions or Comments? Email Dave by clicking here.
