Just got this in yesterday, and I'm totally impressed. For those out of the loop, it's a concept album written by Henning Pauly about the many forms of violence in today's society that are so prevalent (murder, rape, torture, war, teen angst) from the points of view of the oppressors as well as the victims, and it features Sebastian Bach on vocals. Make no mistake, this is a Frameshift prog album that goes through all the typical prog motions, but, man, this album really rocks as well.
The production is crystal clear, but, in my opinion, a bit over-produced to the point of taking a bit of the edge off. When I heard Baz was involved in an album exploring violence, I was expecting the typical balls-out attitude and a musical kick-in-the-teeth (sorta like Skid Row's "Slave To The Grind"). As a matter of fact, when watching the vid clips of Henning and Baz (on the Frameshift website) as they sampled different songs whilst recording the vocals, the material was a bit more raw and heavy sounding. I will say the Henning's guitar is molten, but it's pushed back a bit in the mix so that it doesn't stand out so much. I think I would much rather be bludgeoned by some meaty riffs as long as I'm obsessing about violence.
My only other pet peeve is the occurrence of various electronic techno doo-dads (buzzes, clicks, whirrs, etc.) that punctuate the songs (this is a metal album, not Nine Inch Nails). This album's release was pushed back 6 weeks so Henning could remix (he wasn't happy with the first effort)...so I'm kinda wondering if too much of a good thing watered down the album...?
That being said, the material is totally original, musically as well as lyrically. The songs are not what I was expecting, I have to keep reminding myself that this is a prog album, not a straightforward metal (more simply structured) album. Henning captures various moods along with the weaving subject material, so it's all totally appropriate. When the album was done, I was totally onboard and applauded the effort.
For those that were expecting more of the first Frameshift, this one packs a lot more punch. For those that were expecting the angst and vigor of Skid Row's 2nd, this one packs just a little less punch, but I think Baz definitely props up the album more than LaBrie could have (blasphemy, I know). The supposed story is that James was approached to help with the album but couldn't due to scheduling conflicts. Due to the subject material, he recommended his friend (and fellow Canuck), Sebastian Bach, to Henning...and the rest is history.
I see this as a big improvement over the first. The subject material and album on the first are totally original as well, just too damn mellow sometimes, so it doesn't find it's way into my player as often. This album is certainly heavier, and I bet it's gonna get under my skin with repeated plays. If you're a prog fan...just get it!
Dare I say it, if Henning keeps going, we may be speaking of Frameshift in the same admiring tones of Ayreon in the coming years.
Rock on!
The production is crystal clear, but, in my opinion, a bit over-produced to the point of taking a bit of the edge off. When I heard Baz was involved in an album exploring violence, I was expecting the typical balls-out attitude and a musical kick-in-the-teeth (sorta like Skid Row's "Slave To The Grind"). As a matter of fact, when watching the vid clips of Henning and Baz (on the Frameshift website) as they sampled different songs whilst recording the vocals, the material was a bit more raw and heavy sounding. I will say the Henning's guitar is molten, but it's pushed back a bit in the mix so that it doesn't stand out so much. I think I would much rather be bludgeoned by some meaty riffs as long as I'm obsessing about violence.
My only other pet peeve is the occurrence of various electronic techno doo-dads (buzzes, clicks, whirrs, etc.) that punctuate the songs (this is a metal album, not Nine Inch Nails). This album's release was pushed back 6 weeks so Henning could remix (he wasn't happy with the first effort)...so I'm kinda wondering if too much of a good thing watered down the album...?
That being said, the material is totally original, musically as well as lyrically. The songs are not what I was expecting, I have to keep reminding myself that this is a prog album, not a straightforward metal (more simply structured) album. Henning captures various moods along with the weaving subject material, so it's all totally appropriate. When the album was done, I was totally onboard and applauded the effort.
For those that were expecting more of the first Frameshift, this one packs a lot more punch. For those that were expecting the angst and vigor of Skid Row's 2nd, this one packs just a little less punch, but I think Baz definitely props up the album more than LaBrie could have (blasphemy, I know). The supposed story is that James was approached to help with the album but couldn't due to scheduling conflicts. Due to the subject material, he recommended his friend (and fellow Canuck), Sebastian Bach, to Henning...and the rest is history.
I see this as a big improvement over the first. The subject material and album on the first are totally original as well, just too damn mellow sometimes, so it doesn't find it's way into my player as often. This album is certainly heavier, and I bet it's gonna get under my skin with repeated plays. If you're a prog fan...just get it!
Dare I say it, if Henning keeps going, we may be speaking of Frameshift in the same admiring tones of Ayreon in the coming years.
Rock on!
