APEX III (PRAISE FOR THE BURNING SOUL)

This is album number three from this trio out of France. We get a bass, drum, guitar/vocal setup and they play a unique style of music. They describe themselves as BLACK SABBATH meets Simon And Garfunkel or Doom Pop. Some incredibly heavy sections here that usually don't last too long but it's the contrast with those mono-toned, whiney, lame, great vocals that soar that is surprising. When I have issues with this album it's one or the other, vocals or randomly getting hit over the head with a two-by-four in the form of Doom. But when it works man this is so good. Just too many issues with this one but less with their second album and no issues with the self titled debut from 2011 which is a great and consistent record. The drummer is a hard hitter in the 70's style.

Favourites are the combination of "(Alien Grounds)" and "Apex III" the first two tracks which are really one with "(Alien Grounds)" being the instrumental intro for the title track. The picked guitar that echoes shows up before 3 minutes on that title track. Some Doom on that second one with vocals. A mid-paced number with repeated themes. Man I'm not sure about "Friendly Fire" really up and down for my tastes, along with the closer "Prodigal Sun". The sad part is the bonus track is my favourite. Called "Shot In Providence" and sad because I never consider bonus tracks in my rating because they aren't part of the original album, it's an extra. Rarely do I even mention them unless they are good which is a rare thing I find. Big exception right here.

I'm looking forward to spending time with their second album "Stranded In Arcadia" soon. I like how they use the symbol on the cover of the debut on each of the albums that follow and in different places. A theme to these covers too with the colours and more.