(Prog Metal) Poverty's No Crime - The Chemical Chaos
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InsideOut 2003
Founded in 1991 this band have been around forever...apparently...well I discovered them with this release as I'm assuming many others have. I think this is their first album after being signed to the mighty InsideOut. As far as I know this album has been a slight change in approach for the band. Tending to have a lot more riff orientated prog metal. I think it works very well here. One of the most striking things about the band is their tendancy to play down soloing and play more for texture and feel. The keys don't stick out or play any ballistic synth shred and the guitar solos are mixed very low compared to the rhythm.
The first three tracks are amazing. Immediatly you know you're in for something special. (unfortunatly the other tracks aren't quite as good but I can't complain)
Track 1
Walk into Nowhere:
Beautiful synth organ intro thing. Then a nice guitar solo on top a funky bass loop which reminds me a lot of Pain of Salvation. The vocals come in at about 2 mins in. I got a bit of a shock when I first heard Volker Walsemann's vocals, they are a little grating. They grew on me eventually and I think they fit the music well.
Track 2
Every Kind of Life:
Similar Track to the first but very good. The solos are excellent here. The two guitars wind together perfectly.
Track 3
All Minds in One:
The Best song on the album and one of the best Prog Metal songs I have ever heard. It has it all. Incredibly beautiful instrumentation and composition. Excellent orchestration and Walsemann is fantastic. Needs to be heard to be believed.
Track 5
Terminal Trip:
Wow. For a minute here I thought I was listening to Rush. Perfect instrumental. Second best song on the album and an excellent display of the band's collective talents. The layers of keyboards are arranged immaculatly.
Negatives:
None
Positives:
Brilliant
My album of 2003.
5/5
