NOVACT - TALES FROM THE SOUL (
Progressive Rock/Metal)) -
95 / 100
Ken Golden is the man! For those unaware, he is the owner of three separate labels under one roof. The Lasers Edge focuses on progressive rock (
White Willow,
A Triggering Myth,
Wobbler), Sensory is for progressive metal (
Zero Hour,
Redemption,
Wastefall) and Free Electric Sound is set aside for progressive fusion (
At War With Self). I praise him solely because everything Ive heard from either label has been excellent. Ken Golden knows good prog when he hears it, and he doesnt simply go for bands that sound the same. He often signs bands that offer something a bit different within the prog field.
Behind The Curtain for example, sounds like no other prog band Ive heard before. The same can be said about
A Triggering Myth and even
Wobbler, to an extent. Even if similarities exist, such as with
Zero Hour and the upcoming
Twisted Into Form, the music is always killer. Recently I came upon
novAct, a prog-rock/metal outfit out of the Netherlands. I ordered
Tales From The Soul shortly thereafter and its been in heavy rotation for the past two months.
The band formed in 2001 under the name
Morgana-X. They released a three song live rehearsal demo, then a follow-up promo EP called
Misunderstoodwhich Roy (guitars) kindly sent me; thanks, dude!. They then changed their named to
novAct, showcased two tracks on a split compilation called
Arnhem Trolleymetaal, and finally in 2005 released this, their first full-length,
Tales From The Soul.
Sharply Condemned kicks things off with a heavy, driving riff, melodic bridges and a lush, heavy prog-rock tapestry coolly painted by Eddy Borremanss outstanding vocals. Truly, its only when vocalist Eddy Borremans begins to sing that you realize there is something special about
novAct. To say that Borremans is a unique vocalist in the rock/metal world is almost an understatement. Ive read that he compares to
Queensrÿches Geoff Tate,
Pain Of Salvations Daniel Gildenlow, and Andy Kuntz from
Vanden Plas and
Abydos, among others. None are accurate, if you ask me. If I had to pinpoint a similarity in vocal style it would a heavier version of Roland Gift of the
Fine Young Cannibals
gasp!and the clean tones of the legendary Otis Redding. Maybe this isnt the sort of thing a metal fan wants to hear, but thats what I hear.
Tales From The Soul is, simply put, an amazing album. From progressive rock/metal anthems like
Hope And Fear, the Jeff Buckley tribute
The Eternal, Path Of Daggers and the heaviest track on the album,
The Rider, to the more melodic songs like the goth-influenced
Flower, it is clear
novAct rival the greatest prog-rock/metal bands out there today. The slight gothic touches reminiscent of
To/Die/For adds yet another dynamic that makes this band stand out from the pack. The interwoven guitars and keyboards create space for Borremanss stunning vocals; the solo work is precise and fits perfectly, beautifully. The bass and drum work dont go on any proggy tantrums, but they hold it all together, creating a solid foundation for the stars of the show: the guitars, keyboards and vocals.
Everything about this album is brilliant. From the music to the production, lyrics and artwork; its all outstanding. Ive had this album for quite a while now, Ive listened to it virtually every day since and its quality has not diminished yet, it sparkles brighter after each listen. Not only is this one of the best prog-rock/metal albums Ive ever heard, its undoubtedly one of the best albums Ive ever heard overall. Nothing more needs to be said. Ken Golden couldnt have a more appropriate last name (clearly his first name is great, too),
novAct and
Tales From The Soul are both simply that: Golden.
MP3:
The Rider,
Eternal Life (different version taken from the
Morgana-X Misunderstood promo) and
novAct on MySpace
VIDEO:
Sharply Condemned (Live) and
The Rider (Live)
Note: In time these links will likely becoming outdated.