WAKE PIG

3.5 stars. My review will be from the re-issue from Metal Blade Records. This release features two new tracks as well as new cover art. I had read some really good things about this band about a year and a half ago and so decided to order this cd in. The first time I listened to it (a year and a half ago) my daughter was with me and we were at work. I remember the uneasy feeling I had as I listened to it and having that feeling increased by my daughters reaction. The thing was they sounded so much like COHEED AND CAMBRIA, too much actually. COHEED AND CAMBRIA are one of my daughters favourite bands, she even named her computer Claudio after their singer. Anyway we listened to it, and it was good, but still those feelings remained that they had ripped off another bands sound. Well I did some investigating and found out that 3 not only existed before COHEED AND CAMBRIA but they had released an EP before they did as well. I also found out that the two bands were good friends, and they both thank the other in their respective liner notes.They have toured together a lot, and Josh Eppard who originally played drums for 3 (and is the brother of 3's singer Joey Eppard) also played drums for COHEED AND CAMBRIA (not anymore). So that really helped us both to enjoy this album a lot more, and I prefer this band over COHEED AND CAMBRIA while my daughter is loyal to C&C.

Another story is the PORCUPINE TREE concert I went to in May and to my delight I heard that 3 was the opening band for the North American tour. Unfortunately though the band couldn't get across the border into Canada except for the singer / acoustic guitar player Joey Eppard. So there he was on the stage all by himself with his guitar in hand. This guy is so talented not only as a singer but especially as a guitar player. He played these beautiful, intricate acoustic melodies, but he also strummed it a lot while at times tapping it hard creating some percussion. He ended up breaking strings as he poured his heart out in that performance. He received a standing ovation when he was through, as he bowed with sweat dripping from his face.

"Alien Angel" has a great heavy intro that continues as vocals arrive. We get a calm passage 2 1/2 minutes in as drums and synths play. Some more TOOL like heaviness to follow. "Monster" is dominated by drums and bass as Joey sings softly on and off throughout the song. "Dregs" is a great tune. I love the outbreaks of drums and bass as well as the dreamy chorus. "Wake Pig" is all about the riffs and fantastic vocals. An amazing melody 2 minutes in with some killer guitar before the main melody returns. "Bramfatura" is a real highlight with the intricate acoustic guitar melodies that are so beautiful. I was reminded of PORCUPINE TREE and then we hear the tapping of the guitar like in the concert. You have to hear this song. "Trust" is another amazing track with strummed guitar to open.This doesn't last long as a powerful soundscape arrives, but it's the vocals that are most impressive. A killer rhythm to this one as well.

"Dogs Of War" is a mellow tune that does get more passionate later. This contrast continues. "Soul To Sell" opens with synths as it quickly turns to a light funny song. "One Way Town" is another great track. A chugging rhythm as some killer guitar comes in. It calms right down as vocals come in. This is such a catchy song with vocal melodies too. Some scorching guitar 3 minutes in. "Queen" continues the streak of excellent songs. It opens with a nice little guitar melody that is copied by the rhythm section as reserved vocals come in. I can't believe how many good songs are on this record ! "Circus Without Clowns" is melancholic with Lennon-like vocals at times. It does pick up as this contrast continues. An incredible guitar solo before 3 minutes."Where's Max" is a little experimental for the band with percussion and bass with a different vocalist singing. "Amaze Disgrace" has a nice acoustic guitar intro, I really like this song. The drums are great as they lead the way. Some Eastern sounds come in followed by a blistering yet tasteful guitar solo. Vocal melodies, bass and drums to end it. There is a minute of silence before another song starts up. It's actually like a reprise of "Trust" that lasts 8 minutes ! What a way to end the album,the drumming especially shines on this song.

I read about of a lot of people buying this record after watching this band open for PORCUPINE TREE in the U.S.and being very pleased with their purchase. I couldn't agree with them more.