Progressive Metal Reviews
Progressive Metal Reviews
CLOCKWORK |
Clockwork are : Chris Pignatelli - Guitars and Keyboards Douglas Gillin - Vocals, Keyboards and Flute Chris Pignone - Bass Tom Gammarino - Guitars Anthony Sciamanna - Drums and Percussion The tracks are : 1. Secrets Of Centuries 2. One Wing 3. East Of Knowing 4. If These Walls Could Talk 5. The Guardin' Of Eden 6. The Convolution Box 7. Smile Under Sad Eyes 8. Design Of Enlightenment Clockwork was formed in 1994, when members of a Philadelphia based band decided to take their music in a progressive direction. With the addition of new members, Clockwork began writing and deeming material that combined their interest in metal, progressive rock and a variety of other styles. By the end of 1995, Clockwork had released two demo's '...And Forever Lost' and 'Weaving Webs Of Time'. The latter of the two was a 28-minute epic that helped to expand their fan base worldwide and gain the respect of fellow musicians in the progressive music genre. In early 1996, one of their songs appeared as the opening track on the DREG records progressive music compilation album and by mid 1996 they added a new singer before recording their EP 'Search'. The EP received rave reviews and secured them a deal with Sensory. They began recording their full-length album for Sensory in 1998. The opening track is 'Secrets Of Centuries', this track starts with some classical inspired piano, a flute is added and then keyboards come into the frame just before there's a heavy and hostile guitar assault. The music then fades away, and the vocals arrive, with just a piano playing in the background, this doesn't last long before the band return. The vocals from Douglas are just simply superb, powerful, but yet carry so much emotion. Clockwork combines the quieter desolate passages with the full head on onslaught of dual lead guitars perfectly. Great Opener! The next track is 'One Wing', this track starts with some nice keyboards, percussion, and layered vocals, which are all, added following the same melody, after a while this fades away and the vocals come in. And boy, they sound even better on this track, even more emotional than the first track. There's a nice interaction between guitars and keyboards on this track and the dual guitar solos from Chris and Tom are just tremendous. This track also features a stick solo from Sean Malone. The third track 'East Of Knowing', starts with an acoustic guitar, when the keyboards come in they take on a Middle Eastern flavour about them. The acoustic guitar then plays along side this influence, but some times breaks away for more of a Spanish flamenco style and the combination works very well. The next track 'If These Walls Could Talk', first there's a wonderful guitar solo from Tom. I must say at this point, that Clockwork's music is extremely complex, but it never gets overpowering. There are strong melodies and catchy hooks that make you want for more. The middle section is mellower with some nice acoustic guitar and flute. This is then followed by another guitar solo from Chris. 'The Guardin' Of Eden', this track has some strange layered vocals at the beginning, some jazz influenced piano and keyboards and some heavy guitars. This tracks does not stand still for one moment, as it twists and turns throughout it's entire length. The sixth track 'The Convolution Box', this next track is an extremely complex instrumental. With it's tight rhythm section, wonderful dualling guitars, acoustic guitars, lush keybaords and changing mood, what more could you want. The guitar solo's from both Chris and Tom are outstanding. Play again, Play again... The next track 'Smile Under Sad Eyes', has a nice melody, and I suppose that you could say that this track is radio friendly compared to the rest of the album. Mellow, warm and enticing, just wanting to be played again and again. The final track is 'Design Of Enlightenment', is a 13 minute + epic with powerful vocals, lush keyboards and wonderful instrumental breaks. The solo's from both guitar and keyboards are just breathtaking. There are many changes in direction, mood and tempo throughout the entire length of this track. You will only need to listen to Surface Tension once to know that this is one hell of an album. Highly complex, Intense, Dramatic, Seductive, Enticing, these are all words I would use to describe the emotions you perceive when listening to this quality album. From the sounds of the lush keyboards of Chris and Douglas, the dualling guitar's of Chris and Tom, and the tight powerful rhythm unit provided by Anthony (drums) and Chris Pignone (Bass) to the powerful and emotional vocals from Douglas, this is what makes up the incredible sound of Clockwork. O.K., there are a few instances when you may hear a few influences such as Dream Theater, Queensryche, and Yes, but most of the time all you hear is Clockwork's unique blend of Progrock/metal. And this is a band who are pushing the boundaries of progmetal as far as they will go. One thing I can tell you, is that you will be hearing a lot more of this band in the future, but for now go and get your copy now, you won't be disappointed. Highly Recommended!!! Released by Sensory. A division of Laser's Edge P.O. Box 388, Voorhees, NJ 08043- 0388 Fax : 609 751 7466 Website : http://www.lasercd.com Email : lasercd@aol.com Clockwork Website : http://www.netti.fi/~japi/ |