THE TRAGEDY OF INNOCENCE

I have to admit I hesitated in buying this disc for some time because of the subject matter. This is the true story of Valerie Quirarte the wife of drummer Chris Quirarte. Valerie was sexually abused for years by her father and went on to live a life of drug use and promiscuity leading to a suicide attempt and being put in an institution. This record took about 2 years to make,with Chris having a hand in writing all the songs but one "What Little Girls Are For" which was written by Valerie. I really feel that the most disgusting thing that happens on this planet is the sexual abuse of children by adults, and especially when it's a parent who is responsible for this crime. Fortunately this subject is handled as well as it could have been, and I give Valerie so much credit for her wanting to get this story out in order to help children right now who are suffering through this,and also to help those adults who have suffered through it in their past. As for the music, it's excellent ! A cross between FATES WARNING and ZERO HOUR I would say. Complex, dark and heavy at times with some lighter, beautiful passages as well. The singer Mike Di Sarro is fantastic ! If you look at the pictures of him in the liner notes you would think he would rather rip your limbs off than talk to you. Haha. James Sherwood and Chris Quirarte both play in the band REDEMPTION and I have to say the drumming on this disc is what impresses me the most. Sean Entrikin on lead guitar shines and Smiley Sean on synths provides some great atmosphere and support.

"Dirty Room Part I" opens with eerie sounds before the heavy riffs come in with sinister vocals.The drums sound fantastic ! This song blends into "In My Shell" which has plenty of tempo changes and really reminds me of ZERO HOUR. The background synths are great,and actually the whole soundscape is amazing. I love the odd metered drumming and incredible vocals, man he can hold a note ! Five and a half minutes in it's as heavy as hell with blistering guitar solos. The song comes to a close with some beautiful guitar melodies. "Soul Deceiver" is heavy with riffs as it feels like something evil is near. Vocals, bass lines and drumming are all incredible on this song. "Oceans Of Insolence" has reserved vocals and synths as the guitar grinds away. The song does get intense at times,eventually turning heavy with deep angry vocals. Check out the bass ! And the drumming is insane ! The song turns pastoral with piano, strings and waves of synths. Gulp. It blends into the next song "Miracle" with soft vocals and a tranquil soundscape. So beautiful. The song does get heavier but it's tasteful with some soaring guitar.

"Born Again" is a short mellow tune about Chris entering her life. "Only Love" features these slow heavy riffs with background synths and vocals. I like the chorus "Only love can save me, only love can set me free..." The guitar and drums 4 minutes in are terrific. "What Little Girls Are For" opens with Valerie saying "I have a secret, but if I tell you do you promise to still love me ?" An emotional song written by Valerie. This song is a ride with lots of mood shifts and tempo changes as guitar, drums and vocals amaze ! Percussion to end it. "Running Away" has these fast paced riffs and more freakish drumming. The guitar and synths really light it up. "Dirty Room Part II" is dark and heavy with screaming vocals, it ends with Valerie saying "I just can't go on." "Ask the Angels" is a ballad with acoustic guitar, synths, cymbals and a vocal melody. The softer,higher pitched vocals remind me of LaBrie. "Choices" is the final song and it is so heavy, oh my ! Pounding drums, synths and more great vocals. 7 minutes we get heavy duty drums and bass as the guitar lights it up.

This is a great album. If your a fan of THE POWER OF OMENS, FATES WARNING or ZERO HOUR i'm sure you will love this amazing disc.