- Oct 31, 2005
- 63
- 7
- 8
The last time Jasun Tipton recorded an album it was with Zero Hour, the complex and guitarladen prog metal outfit from California. The key components of this band were threefold: Jasuns dazzling guitar talents, his twin brother Troys nimble skill on bass and Erik Rosvolds strong and soaring voice, however a number of factors culminated in Eriks departure and the eventual hiatus of the outfit. But you cant keep a good band down and with renewed vigour and a chance reunion between Jasun and Erik the unit are back in a new guise. Less metallic in flavour than Zero Hour but still inherently heavy, DeEvolution has been four years in the making, proving to be a remarkable return to form from the Tipton twins. In fact it wouldnt be preposterous to suggest that this is the album that Queensrÿche should be making dark, moody and melodic with a singer who rivals Geoff Tate.
This is interesting stuff. In the years that Jasun contemplated Cynthesis, his aim was to create a record that sounds cinematic. As a starting point the album is conceptual, denoting a metaphor for western globalisation via a story about a brainwashed shaman. Of course, DeEvolution can be enjoyed without focussing on the storyline. However a brief dip into the lyrics is recommended to appreciate Rosvolds emotive narrative. But even without the sleeve notes as a listeners guide, the mood of the album is carried by its brooding riffs and atmospherics. This might surprise those who are accustomed to concept albums that rely on bombastic segments to signify points of drama, but Jasun avoids blistering guitar solos in favour of soft, intricate noodling. Furthermore his brother Troy is often at the forefront of guitar duties (quite rightfully) demonstrating
his exceptional technical ability on the bass. Hence, the bouncing bass line and mechanical guitar riffs of Incision cause the song to sound like bass-driven funk metallers Rage Against The Machine in places.
Perhaps its the symbiosis of twinship or simply that they crave for balance, but this album manages consistently to evoke a sense of respect for the individuals involved. Press notes reveal Jasuns adoration of Rosvold, touting him as the only vocalist who can really connect to the material and he most certainly doesnt disappoint. Serenaded simply by a lingering piano and spacey atmospherics, he gives one of his finest performances during Shallow World, expressing the lyrics with clarity and poignancy. Elsewhere, the more metallic moments such as The Edifice Grin, are also a perfect stage for the aggressive edge of Rosvolds vocal personality. The sensitivity and depth of this record does cause it, in one or two places, to sound a tad like 80s cheese, but with the tempo shifts and a concept that demands an emotive storyteller these fears are short-lived and forgiven respectively. Fans of Zero Hours heavier edge might also find fault with this aspect of DeEvolution, but its not without Jasuns moments of guitar wizardry. With their followup album ReEvolution already in the pipeline, heres hoping that Cynthesis can match the majesty of this excellent debut.
Holly Wright
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This is interesting stuff. In the years that Jasun contemplated Cynthesis, his aim was to create a record that sounds cinematic. As a starting point the album is conceptual, denoting a metaphor for western globalisation via a story about a brainwashed shaman. Of course, DeEvolution can be enjoyed without focussing on the storyline. However a brief dip into the lyrics is recommended to appreciate Rosvolds emotive narrative. But even without the sleeve notes as a listeners guide, the mood of the album is carried by its brooding riffs and atmospherics. This might surprise those who are accustomed to concept albums that rely on bombastic segments to signify points of drama, but Jasun avoids blistering guitar solos in favour of soft, intricate noodling. Furthermore his brother Troy is often at the forefront of guitar duties (quite rightfully) demonstrating
his exceptional technical ability on the bass. Hence, the bouncing bass line and mechanical guitar riffs of Incision cause the song to sound like bass-driven funk metallers Rage Against The Machine in places.
Perhaps its the symbiosis of twinship or simply that they crave for balance, but this album manages consistently to evoke a sense of respect for the individuals involved. Press notes reveal Jasuns adoration of Rosvold, touting him as the only vocalist who can really connect to the material and he most certainly doesnt disappoint. Serenaded simply by a lingering piano and spacey atmospherics, he gives one of his finest performances during Shallow World, expressing the lyrics with clarity and poignancy. Elsewhere, the more metallic moments such as The Edifice Grin, are also a perfect stage for the aggressive edge of Rosvolds vocal personality. The sensitivity and depth of this record does cause it, in one or two places, to sound a tad like 80s cheese, but with the tempo shifts and a concept that demands an emotive storyteller these fears are short-lived and forgiven respectively. Fans of Zero Hours heavier edge might also find fault with this aspect of DeEvolution, but its not without Jasuns moments of guitar wizardry. With their followup album ReEvolution already in the pipeline, heres hoping that Cynthesis can match the majesty of this excellent debut.
Holly Wright
