ANAKIN TUMNUS

I have to thank Ricochet for suggesting this band to me. He thought I would like the heaviness that comes and goes on it, and of course I do. There is actually a pretty good balance between the pastoral and heavier sections. I would have prefered more of the latter but I think John Gratto for whom this project is named after had a story to tell first and foremost. Lyrically we're into Neal Morse territory which really surprised me as I didn't even notice the lyrics until after about 4 listens.This is apparently the story of Gratto becoming a Christian. He gets help instrumentally from the Rodler brothers who play lead guitar and drums for LEGER DE MAIN. They are fantastic by the way.

The album opens with "Passage Of Time" which you would swear sounds like a Neal Morse song. At least the intro does I should say. Fragile vocals and piano for 40 seconds. A fuller sound and faster tempo arrives 1 1/2 minutes in. The guitar is great. Vocals and a calm a minute later before the song kicks back in even heavier than before. I love the guitar 4 1/2 minutes in, and check out the bass ! The drumming is fantastic ! The sound is nice and heavy before 8 minutes. It's funny when he gives a statement about God followed by a quick outburst of heaviness. This happens many times in a row. It's like he's at his wits end.

"Call And Response" opens with piano that is joined by reserved vocals. A full sound with louder vocals takes over. This contrast continues. The vocals become theatrical 5 1/2 minutes in.The heaviness is great before 7 minutes. An absolutely ripping guitar solo after 8 minutes. The last minute of the song is pastoral with piano and acoustic guitar. "Shift" opens with strummed guitar. The tempo picks up and the sound becomes fuller 2 minutes in. The bass is prominant as it settles back down. The song continues to develope and change until 13 minutes in when a heavy rhythm arrives. A RUSH feel to the guitar to follow. Some killer drum work after 15 minutes. The final minute reminds me of the intro on the first track. Too sweet for my tastes.

I'm going to have to check out LEGER DE MAIN, the Rodler brothers are incredible. I found the vocals a little on the weak side at times on this record, and too many non-heavy parts as well. Haha. I still think this is a good one though.