Tag Archives: Chriss Tippell

Fates Warning- Theories Of Flight

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Fates Warning- Theories Of Flight album cover ghostcultmagazine

Despite their influence and their position in the roots of true, progressive metal as one of the prime creators, Fates Warning have arguably moved into more cult territories nowadays, especially compared to other progressive metal behemoths like Dream Theater who have become one of metal’s biggest entities. Perhaps in part due to the nature of FW’s releases in the last few years, which have proven inconsistent and certainly not to the quality of their early releases. Thankfully their latest album Theories Of Flight (InsideOut) sees them on the right track with their strongest album in recent years.

FW’s take on progressive metal of course takes on both anthemic and memorable hooks and passages with more complex and technical elements; and whereas before at times they may falter on one side or the other, on Theories… they manage to set the balance perfectly. Take the album opener “From The Rooftops” which starts unassuming before it opens up around the 2 minute mark; revealing a huge chorus and some sheer technicality. Even the 10 minute plus songs like “The Light And Shade Of Things”; despite their ever-changing nature, have instantly memorable and easily digestible passages throughout to grab you.

Fates Warning may sometimes feel like the forgotten fathers of progressive metal, especially when you consider just how far some of their peers have transcended, and in all fairness such peers have offered such timeless classics and works that Theories still doesn’t quite live up to. However what it does show is that FW are still a very worthwhile and creative force that are once again worthy of attention, and that after a number of years in the wilderness of creativity, Theories sees them return to their best.

7.0/10

CHRIS TIPPELL

 

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Redemption- The Art Of Loss

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Redemption The Art of Loss album cover ghostcultmag

Since their formation in 2001, Redemption have always proved a dependable and solid act, never proving truly world-beating or spectacular, but always proving enjoyable with a strong quality and pedigree. Likewise they have always proved steady in the sound, never being too revolutionary but as a result, pleasing to long-term fans. Following in this trend, latest album The Art Of Loss (Metal Blade) proves much of the same, being strong and certainly fun, but with its flaws.

Sadly The Art Of Loss is without long-term guitarist Bernie Versailles as he recovers from an aneurysm, but does see his void instead filled with a plethora of guest spots including ex- Megadeth axemen Marty Friedman, Chris Broderick and Chris Poland. Otherwise this is much the same as we have come to expect; which is not necessarily a negative. Album opener and the title track set up proceedings with an anthemic, instantly memorable number which showcases both the band’s soaring guitar work and powerful vocals of Ray Adler. What follows is more or less in the same vein of prog-tinged metal, which proves melodic yet muscular and dark and melancholic yet with a streak of motivational energy.

So far so good, but The Art Of Loss does have some drawbacks. With little deviation there is a sense that this is going through more of the same, many songs sounding all too similar to one and another and to previous works to really stand out for long. Combined with a long duration and this actually becomes a fairly taxing album, especially with the plus 20 minute closing track, which does shift throughout, but still doesn’t warrant its time frame.

Redemption have never seemed like the band to try and completely reinvent the wheel or their own formula, and depending on viewpoint, an album of more of the same will either prove tiresome or excellent news. For others, there is plenty of value here with some exemplary guitar work and huge passages throughout, but there is surprisingly little depth for an album this long; and there are plenty of bands who do very similar, but a whole lot better.

5.0/10

CHRIS TIPPELL

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Morbus Chron- Sweven

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In their relatively short existence, Morbus Chron have been a shining example of the limitless horizons that metal music is capable of reaching. Initially a very formidable addition to the Swedish death metal scene, their follow-up album took on additional psychedelic traits alongside its rawness and ferocity. Latest opus Sweven (Century Media) has gone to even more off the beaten track, and is almost unrecognisable to what they have done previous.

The primal feel of Sleepers In The Rift is virtually stripped away and is replaced with a much bigger prog rock influence. Opener ‘Bercuese’ in to the opening bars of ‘Chains’ give the atmosphere of floating in suspension as the tempo heightens before it erupts into black metal territory.

The sheer diversity of Sweven is quite remarkable, especially considering it’s quite linear predecessor. As well as its prog meets black metal core, there are even slower grooves, hints of pyschedlia and harmonious ambience. It flits from such a range of styles and tones yet it does so with such cohesion and ease. The only real criticism at Sweven is in its more aggressive passages where it sometimes feels like it needs more bite, but even this is minor.

Such a huge evolution between albums is an unprecedented feat, but one that Morbus Chron have managed with effortlessness, and in the process becoming an unrecognisable beast. In doing so however they are beginning to form their own true identity and place.

 

8.5/10

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CHRIS TIPPELL