This is James’ first solo outing, although there were the two Mullmuzzler albums which preceded this. Elements Of Persuasion was originally released in 2005, although this reissue came out as part of RSD Black Friday in 2021. It’s got to be hard to release an album with your own identity when your are the vocalist for Prog metal’s shining stars, Dream Theater, especially when you’re plowing the same furrow with your solo project.
The first track Crucify could have been a DT track around the Train Of Thought period as the vibe and guitar tone is very similar. Alone however is different with a djenty nu metal groove, which sounds really cool. Freaks keeps that vibe going. Heavy down tuned guitar with quirky samples and keyboards. DT vibes return for my favourite track, Invisible. Dirty fat riffs are my favourite thing, and this one is deep, down, and dirty. Total vibe change for Lost, that main groove and keys are almost funky. Nice change! The heaviest and lowest of riffs open up Undecided. I love Matt Guillory’s guitar on this one. Again, a nice change of pace and groove for Smashed that gives LaBrie a chance to show that breathy style he is famous for.
More deep and heavy riifage for Pretender. I’m guessing old James likes the heavier side of life more than he lets on. Slightly Out Of Reach is as close as this album gets to smooth jazz/Prog. A nice laid back interlude. Nu metal vibes for Oblivious, that intro is almost Korn. In To Deep jumps between total all out modern metal, and his more Prog comfort zone. Drained closes out the album and I love that riff and guitar sound mixed with the melody of the keys.
So there you have it, a quite enjoyable Prog metal romp and it’s good to see old Jimbo outside the confines of DT, as let’s face it, he doesn’t contribute much lyrically to that band. Great album!
9/10 from The Grooveman.
