Thought Chamber

J-Man

Old as Yoda
Jan 11, 2005
5,383
9
38
Texas
Thought Chamber: "Angular Perceptions"


On their debut release ‘Angular Perceptions’, American newcomers Thought Chamber have crafted a technically brilliant progressive metal album which will excite fans of the genre. Listeners will recognise the familiar vocals of Enchant front man Ted Leonard fronting the band..

In a world where it’s hard to find anything original, in which nothing and nobody is really innovative, newcomers Thought Chamber manage to draw attention right from the start with their debut album “Angular Perceptions”. Their intelligent brand of progressive metal is highly complex while showing great variation. At the same time, it sounds like a coherent collection of songs. Performing guitar, keyboards and vocals (on the track “Balance of One”), band leader Michael Harris (Arch Rival) talks about the group’s ambitions, “Thought Chamber’s vision is to create material that is as original as possible. We like to include elements of funk and groove into our sound so it has to sound tight. In my mind these elements are often missing from many of the bands in this genre. We feel it’s really important to create a big dynamic. In order to achieve an inimitable sound for the band, we like to arrange the music a little differently. For instance, instead of having just one guy play all the solos, we’ll distribute them between a few of the guys. This way, we manage to create a kind of ensemble playing within the group”.
Thought Chamber was founded by Harris, who had released the album “Sketches From the Thought Chamber” back in 2001. He made contact via the internet with Enchant vocalist Ted Leonard and managed to secure his involvement in the band. Harris wrote the songs for “Angular Perceptions” over a period of time between 2001 and 2004 at his home in Dallas. The instrumental numbers “Mr. Qwinkle’s Therapy” and “Accidently On Purpose” were written together with drummer Rob Stankiewicz and bassist Derek Blakely. The band is completed by keyboard player Bobby Williamson. Harris sent the material to Leonard at his home in California who then added his vocal parts there. “Ted’s voice is full of emotion and his amazing range fits perfectly in Thought Chamber, not to mention his strong stage presence” Harris explains.

Besides three instrumental pieces, there are seven strong vocal numbers on “Angular Perceptions”, which showcase the band’s exceptional skills. Thematically the songs deal with such topics as mythological phenomena and the ancient Egyptian belief of rebirth (“Transmigration Of Souls”) or an imaginary place in heaven where famous people from human history are gathered (“A Legend’s Avalon”). Harris is especially proud of two particular tracks on the album, “’Sacred Treasure’ is a perfect vehicle for the biggest strengths within the band, Ted’s great voice, big dynamics and the feeling for strong melodies and ensemble playing, while ‘A Mind Beyond’ combines classical touches with great melody and a progressive instrumental middle section that ends in a mesmerising piano outro”.

:headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang:
Another Awesome Texas band wooooohoooooooo
 
I just checked out 3 of their songs on their myspace page:

http://www.myspace.com/thoughtchamber

:OMG: Those songs kick some serious ASS! :headbang: :kickass: :headbang: I can not wait to hear the whole album! Shane & Glenn...you gotta get Thought Chamber for the Showcase! And if they're playing the TX Madfest...John and Tammy, you'll have just sold me on going!

There will be an album preview on Tuesday Feb 20th at 8pm on http://www.progscaperadio.com/
 
I have heard this disk many times now and it is AMAZING! I love it! I figured that it might be an easier listen since I'm a huge fan of Ted Leondard's vox. This has been true, but I also love the music on here and find it to be a breath of fresh air with a decidely original sound coming from these guys. There are some cool elements that caught me by surprise -- and I'm happy about that!

The musicianship is also top-notch. I wasn't familiar with the guitarist, but I really like what I hear from him. Definitely has awesome chops and cool phrasing. Additionally, to find that a long time friend, Bobby Williamson, put his magical keyboard touch on it was even better. Bobby has skills -- no doubt about it! Undoubtedly, the entire band has skills. I think this CD is a must have for any fan of prog rock/metal!
 
I have heard this disk many times now and it is AMAZING! I love it! I figured that it might be an easier listen since I'm a huge fan of Ted Leondard's vox. This has been true, but I also love the music on here and find it to be a breath of fresh air with a decidely original sound coming from these guys. There are some cool elements that caught me by surprise -- and I'm happy about that!

The musicianship is also top-notch. I wasn't familiar with the guitarist, but I really like what I hear from him. Definitely has awesome chops and cool phrasing. Additionally, to find that a long time friend, Bobby Williamson, put his magical keyboard touch on it was even better. Bobby has skills -- no doubt about it! Undoubtedly, the entire band has skills. I think this CD is a must have for any fan of prog rock/metal!

You are not wrong sir!!! :headbang: Yeah, Michael is one of the best kept secrets of the Texas metal scene methinks, just awesome... :worship:
 
Thought Chambers new disc is nothing short of phenominal!!! Very progressive,very guitar oriented. I'm not overly impressed with the vocals,but the disc is the first great find of 2007,coming the same day as Redemption and Slavior if I'm not mistaken.
 
This may end up my favourite debut of 2007. It is simply an amazing album, blending chops with dark acoustic guitars and sublime vocal melodies. The rhythm anchor is tight as hell, often evoking stuff on Rush, Tool, King Crimson, and King's X to me.

Michael Harris is obviously not only a shredder but also an excellent songwriter.

Here's a long review:

http://www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=4886

Check out their MySpace page for samples.