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: : II : :
When I first put this CD on,
the first song “The Warning” struck me. A very quiet, all instrumental piece with
an opening cello so dark and moody it could only have come from those wonderful
Scandinavians. And sure enough, this band hails from Finland but sings in a very
clear English.
Then there is that singing. A wonderful female Vox that is not in the Annie Haslam
mold. A strong voice that offers up a compassionate yet brooding sound that both
excites and scares you.
So Condition Red has offered up a new CD simply titled “II”. Their first CD, named
“Condition Red” was released in 2000. A concept CD that blended progressive metal
with fusion and neoclassical. Derek Sherinian guests on that CD.
Which brings us to “II”. Now with a full time keyboardist and new female singer and
flutist, they have definitely located their own interesting and different sound.
If you only heard say “It’s Not Too Late”, you might dismiss this band as merely
another progmetal band. A very good one but just another “one of those”.
But in listening to the entire CD, what you have is a very complex mixture of many
styles of progressive rock while all being in the symphonic side of things.
Alex Masi has a ripping guitar sound that must be heard to truly appreciate. Lars
Mattsson’s use of Sitar adds a depth to the sound rarely seen in ANY new bands these
days. I’ve to tell you this is really good, new and very interesting music.
The ratio of metal vs. all the other styles of prog this band touches on is actually
very low. The metallic parts bridge mostly into more quiet passages with that
wonderful voice of Ms. Grussner. Track 10 “Your Freedom” even has Ms. Grussner
harmonizing with herself which just sends chills down my spine it is so very nice.
It is clear that Condition Red is here to explore and develop new ground rather than
simply following the footprints of those that came before. Their use of complicated
rhythms and arrangements are very different from what we’ve grown to expect these
days.
Ms. Grussner’s voice and violin are now an essential part of the Condition Red
sound. Praise Be!
This is familiar music while not being so familiar it makes the listener want to
pass. Each song offers something different to discover. Sometimes a little and
sometimes a lot. Songs that offer something for the shredder while not driving
others away. Songs that are always in focus. Truly music for people with an open
mind.
Rating: 9 of 10
Reviewed By: Stephen Ellis
: : Visit the Artist’s Website : :
: : Discography : :
Condition Red
- 2000
II - 2003 |
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