FIRE MAKE THUNDER

For those related to the metal side of progressive rock, I assume is the name of OSI is familiar. For those who are not, let me tell you then that this project was started back in 2002 by Kevin Moore (Dream Theater) and Jim Matheos (Fates Warning), a couple of well-known musicians who gathered ideas in order to create new music. During the years, they have worked with guest musicians and singers such as Tim Bowness or Mikael Akerfeldt. And now, in this 2012 they have just released their fourth studio album, called 'Fire Make Thunder'. Here, they offer eight compositions that make a total time of 43 minutes.

It kicks off with 'Cold Call' in which we can listen to a news journalist talking as background while the electronic elements are being added little by little. The atmosphere is tense and the intensity is increasing while the seconds pass. At minute two the music explodes and shows its inherent metal tendency, mainly due to the guitar. Later Kevin Moore's vocals enter with its soft tune; I assume he is not actually a singer, however, I like his voice and he does it really well here. It is not the typical metal voice (thanks God). The programming puts different nuances that are wonderfully complemented by the physical instruments.

'Guards' has a more experimental sound, here, at first, the heavy and metal side are not that evident because it is shadowed by the programming and electronic atmospheres. I like a lot the bass sound in this track, and how it is progressing, making different changes and of course, adding a cool guitar riff in the final minutes. A contrast comes now with 'Indian Curse', which is a much softer track with acoustic guitar, a soft voice and a warm atmosphere as background. The song flows and continues like this for the next 4 minutes.

With 'Enemy Prayer' the metal guitar returns, putting that mandatory power and energy in the music, later where drums join the rhythm is accelerated and even more powerful. Then it makes some changes, slowing down the temperature a little bit, and implementing some nice figures until a cool guitar solo appears and the sound returns to its original and heavier form. This is a purely (and cool) instrumental track. 'Wind Won't Howl' has that great combination between programming and soft guitars. A minute later the vocals enter and a new keyboard atmosphere can be perceived. The music is great, charming and interesting, making a blend of prog rock with some industrial, metal and even post-rock tendencies.

'Big Chief II' and 'For Nothing' are the shortest tracks of the album, passing only the three- minute mark. The first one has a powerful tune while the vocals contrast with its soft sound; here I like a lot the drums, showing power and cadence at the same time. The second one is much calmer with repetitive guitar sound and a distant atmosphere, it reminds me a bit of Nine Inch Nails in its least experimental side. Though these two songs are not bad at all, I have to say this is the weakest part of the album, by far.

And the longest composition comes in the end. 'Invisible Men' reaches almost ten minutes of a wonderful summary of what OSI's music is about. It is flowing and progressing little by little; the programming is soft, repetitive but addictive, and greatly complemented by vocals. After three minutes there is a change, the sound volume increases and makes a brief explosion that all of a sudden vanishes; then, paused guitars enter and seconds later the metal tune joins. The music flows and takes us to different passages, one of my favorites is after eight minutes where a disarming guitar sounds, while a soft atmosphere is as background, and Moore's voice delicately appears. After that, the song finishes, as well as the album.

A very good effort by OSI, recommendable not only for metal lovers, but for those who like this kind of experimentation and mixture of elements. Without a doubt, the record deserves at least 4 stars.

Enjoy it!