Divine Ruins Sign Of The Times
Lone Wolf Music 2004
By Russell Garwood
As the Queensryche-inspired album title may suggest, Divine Ruins play progressive metal. I mean, of course, in the modern sense of the word, i.e. distinctly lacking in originality. Yes, there is noting here that you havent heard many times before. That said, the group can write a memorable tune at times, and are certainly capable musicians. The band is fronted by Ronnie Stixx (Shadow Keep) who, despite the ability to sing in a normal range, insists on using a power metal key. While for fans of the style this may not be a problem, those not so enamoured with helium-induced wailing will probably want to cry. This situation isnt helped by the number of notes Ronnie manages to miss in his oh-so-operatic, vibrato-heavy style. These complaints aside, the solo-heavy guitars are well performed, as demonstrated by the long sections devoted to noodling. The synths play a similar role; complex and integral to the sound, the solos are recurrent and very fast, while occasional simpler lines are welcome, introducing some solid melody. The drums are well performed, and tight, as is the bass.
Despite the melodious sound, Divine Ruins music tends to have too much happening in it to be memorable. Solos dont help, and when every single vocal line is so all over the place, it is difficult to find any hooks to make the music remotely affecting, catchy, or enjoyable. Full marks for effort, but Sign Of The Times is really only one for fanatical prog fans.
3/10
Official Lone Wolf Music website
Lone Wolf Music 2004
By Russell Garwood
As the Queensryche-inspired album title may suggest, Divine Ruins play progressive metal. I mean, of course, in the modern sense of the word, i.e. distinctly lacking in originality. Yes, there is noting here that you havent heard many times before. That said, the group can write a memorable tune at times, and are certainly capable musicians. The band is fronted by Ronnie Stixx (Shadow Keep) who, despite the ability to sing in a normal range, insists on using a power metal key. While for fans of the style this may not be a problem, those not so enamoured with helium-induced wailing will probably want to cry. This situation isnt helped by the number of notes Ronnie manages to miss in his oh-so-operatic, vibrato-heavy style. These complaints aside, the solo-heavy guitars are well performed, as demonstrated by the long sections devoted to noodling. The synths play a similar role; complex and integral to the sound, the solos are recurrent and very fast, while occasional simpler lines are welcome, introducing some solid melody. The drums are well performed, and tight, as is the bass.
Despite the melodious sound, Divine Ruins music tends to have too much happening in it to be memorable. Solos dont help, and when every single vocal line is so all over the place, it is difficult to find any hooks to make the music remotely affecting, catchy, or enjoyable. Full marks for effort, but Sign Of The Times is really only one for fanatical prog fans.
3/10
Official Lone Wolf Music website
