SEBASTIEN - review added 15th November 2010
Album Review: Tears Of White Roses (2010)
For fans of: Hard Rock... and proggy meanderings
The most surprising thing about Sebastien is that it isn't a solo album by someone called Sebastien. It's actually a band-come-project that's been going under various aliases (Calypso, Navar) for over a decade now. The Sebastien name first appeared around 2008, and "Tears Of White Roses" - recorded and produced at the studio of Roland Grapow (Masterplan) - is seemingly the first formal output since then.
The names behind this music-making entity are vocalist/guitarist George Rain, guitarist Andy Mons, bassist Peter Forge, keyboard player Rob Vrsansky, and drummer Radek Rain. Guests include Amanda Somerville (Avantasia, Kiske/Somerville), Apollo Papathanasio (Firewind, Spiritual Beggars), Doogie White (Cornerstone, Yngwie Malmsteen), Fabio Lione (Rhapsody Of Fire, Vision Divine), Mike DiMeo (Riot, Masterplan), Roland Grapow (Masterplan), and Tore Moren (Jorn).
The sound is both mesmerisingly huge and occasionally irritatingly complex. Sebastien have definitely aimed for big impressive, life-affirming tracks rather than catchy hook-laden songs. The results vary throughout the album from the mind blowing to the gut wrenching, although there is a lot more success than failure. There's no denying the grandeur of it all. The sound levels vary between soft chillout and explosive melodic metal. It rarely ventures into violently heavy metal, but there is plenty of weight behind the guitars and drums when needed.
Good:
The sheer personality of the record is something to behold. Is it an opera? Is it a rock record? Is it a journey into the realms of prog? Er, yes... The album has bags of personality and is quite unlike most you'll hear. The musicianship is excellent, and the performances from both the main band members and the guests are often stunning.
Not So Good:
"Tears Of White Roses" is a busy bee, and the fact Sebastien have gone for 'big' rather than 'catchy' might not hold everyone's attention. The number of guests is also a blessing and a bummer. It can be hard knowing who's doing what unless you have a tuned ear and knowledge of the players involved - I swear I keep hearing Johnny Gioeli (Hardline throughout) yet I'm sure he isn't involved!
The Songs:
All the tracks are interesting in their own unique ways, and it really isn't easy to describe them all using mere words. The pumping 'Dorian' and the symphonic 'Silver Water' arguably stick their noses out front as the best.
In Summation:
A complex album, but worth the effort if this is your sort of thing. Ideal for fans of theatrical-tainted prog and overly-clever soft metal. Full marks to the players involved for creating this.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall:
Check out... Just how busy it all is.
Track List:
01. Museé du Satan Rouge
02. Femme Fatale
03. Dorian
04. Remiel In Flames
05. Tears Of White Roses
06. Phoenix Rising
07. Voices In Your Heart
08. Fields Of Chlum (1866 A.D.)
09. Lake Of Dreams
10. Silver Water
11. Black Rose - part I
12. Black Rose - part II
Label: Escape Music
