A LULLABY FOR THE DEVIL

I am by no means a fan of metal, or even progressive metal. I have a huge respect and love for avant-garde bands who delve into metal territory. But bands in the stream of Dream Theater, Ayreon, and Pain of Salvation simply don't do a thing for me. I can't pierce the veil of deceit surrounding them. I call it deceit because I feel like I'm being cheating when I listen to this sort of music. Every song just pumps relentlessly a powerful and destructive rhythm, augmented by a mad guitar line. Then as they build up and climax, there's a soft break, where piano and acoustic guitar support a frail vocal melody of simply disastrous lyrics.

Deadsoul Tribe are no exception. It's music by the book - adhering closely to the formula. I feel as though I'm watching a low-to-no budget horror movie, and I'm guessing the end, or even what will happen in the current scene. She'll turn the corner and the murderer will be standing right there! And sure enough, as the clichéd crescendo of cellos foreshadow, she walks right into the murderer's trap! Shucks! That's pretty much all I can say about Deadsoul Tribe and their ilk. Shucks. The drummer is simply mad on that double bass, and he's even in time with the bass. Shucks. The vocal work is so absolutely exhilarating. Shucks. The guitarist is so goddamn talented! Shucks.

The truth is that I've heard this album. Even before I hit play, I'd heard this album before. Sure, all the musicians are fast, and you'll be headbanging without control, and the soft sections are oh-so-gorgeous, but for prog's sake, we've heard it all before! Many times! What's the point? If my criteria for a five-star were merely such things, then nearly every progressive metal album would be a five-star masterpiece! I desire more than fast playing and the clichéd dynamics. Where's the personality? Where's the soul? Where's the originality? Shucks.