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: : For the
Love of Art and the Making : :
I’ve heard it said that music is the science of sound and the art and
application of time. Honestly, that’s not exactly what was stated, but I
recall something vaguely familiar to that line. Nevertheless, the title
makes me think of that citation.
The name, on the other hand, consists of partial darkness and a prelude
to nightfall, which both concern themselves with that strange and
heinous time in the evening. Some call it the witching hour while others
say it sets the stage for the boogeyman. Whether it’s Jason Voorhees,
Freddy Krueger, or Michael Myers (not the guy from Saturday Night Live),
I wouldn’t enter into this space without a flashlight. Now consider
going one step further and this would certainly impel us into the mouth
of madness.
What they do has been done before in the recognizable format known as
Rock Opera. Look no further than Aina, Nostradamus, Once and Future
King, or Abydos to find a suitable example. While it’s not exactly
revolutionary, I must admit that something about this album is special.
Where many bands throw together a creation that only makes sense to
their own reclusive brood or they choose to bury their music in a
heaping mess of power chords, this band saunters down a slightly
different avenue. As a result, this concept album is quite rational,
logical, and lucid from each cornerstone to the next.
As seen in Dream Theater’s “Scenes from a Memory”, they incorporate
elegant songwriting that allows safe passage between the tracks.
Likewise, a couple themes reemerge throughout the album.
“The Key” is the
one that is very heavy in nature. “The Perfect Heart”, however, is more
along the lines of Boston. By the way, that’s the band and not the
place. To reiterate, I’m referencing the illustrious rockers and not
Paul Reveres old stomping ground.
“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” is Tran-Siberian Orchestra or Symphony
X. Moreover, “In the Eyes of My Soul” and “Past the Magic” go to show
that these guys are expert instrumentalists.
“6 Seconds Past 6” will have you puzzled if you’re not paying attention.
A clairvoyant voice states something that has gone unpredicted until
now. It occurred when I was already scratching my head over a question.
Alternatively, the guitar swings in the breeze and sings sweetly in
“Autumn Fog Message”.
The last one that I’d like to mention is “The Black Box of Reverse”. It
isn’t something that Al Gore would purchase or store away under lock and
key. Instead, this song features a staggering tempo that’s far from
stagnant.
Rating: 8 (out of 10)
Reviewer: Josh Turner
: : Visit the Artist’s Website : :
: : Discography : :
Lurking Fantasia - 1996
The Devil's Hall Of Fame - 2001
Section X - 2005
For The Love Of Art and The Making - 2006 |
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