LOST IN THOUGHT - review added 15th April 2011
Album Review: Opus Arise (2011)
For fans of: Prog Metal
Welsh progressive metal act Lost In Thought formed in late 2007, but it wasn't until early 2010 they recorded their first demo EP. They clearly spent plenty of time refining their craft, as that EP (which garnered a load of positive responses), and this follow-up debut album are both of a very high standard.
The sound is very progressive, and mixes in elements from plenty of other genres like melodic metal and symphonic rock. To be honest, until I read that the band were Welsh I really thought they were Scandinavian. There is a definite Nordic edge to the vibe...and that's meant in a positive way. The overall feel is Dream Theater meets Gothenburg metal meets UK prog (Threshold etc.).
Nate Loosemore has more than a ring of James LaBrie about his vocalising. His higher range style is always perfectly in tune and appealing, and there's still plenty of character to give the music an edge. The musicianship is first class - not quite open-you-mouth-blow-your-mind amazing - not not a long way short. The combination of keys and heavy guitars work especially well.
Song wise, there's little that immediately jumps out as all-time-classic, but for a well balanced album with loads of hooks and catchy sound bytes it's hard to find fault with.
In Summation:
This is a surprisingly good debut. The guys have room to improve, but all fans of progressive metal should give this a chance. It could be one of the better prog albums this year.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall (Not An Average Of The Above):
Track List:
01. Beyond The Flames
02. Entity
03. Blood Red Diamond
04. Seek To Find
05. New Times Awaken
06. Delusional Abyss
07. Lost In Thoughts
08. Assimulate, Destroy
Band/Performers:
Nate Loosemore - Vocals
David Grey - Guitars & Vocals
Greg Baker - Keyboards
Simon Pike - Bass
Chris Billingham - Drums
Other Info:
Mastered by Jacob Hansen [Volbeat, Pretty Maids, Destruction].
Label: Inner Wound
Artist's website(s): Lost In Thought | MySpace | Facebook
