This is the Prog metal pioneers’ tenth album and was released back in 2004. Never happy with creating the same album twice, this album sees the band going with a more simple straightforward style. All the usual FWisms are there, they have just been dialled back somewhat.
I love Ray Adler’s voice and the way he interprets the lyrics, he is the highlight of this album. There are virtually no guitar solos on the album and that’s not a bad thing as you concentrate more on the moody vibe of the record. Having said that the fat huge guitar-driven riffs of Simple Human make it my favourite tune. Along with a that huge guitar, Mark Zonder is laying down the beats with just little pulse’s of the industrial vibes from previous efforts.
I read a few reviews of this album and it seems the FW faithful did not rate this too highly upon its release, but I don’t see why as it’s a great record and a further step in the progression in one of Prog Metal’s finest bands.
8.5/10 from The Grooveman.
