San Francisco based power metalist In Virtue gives us all a look into the future with their concept disc Embrace The Horror. They show us quite a few different scenarios that might enfold and also hit us with just as many different musical angles too. The band uses a blend of speed and power metal with some neo-classical moments and even some death metal overtones to convey their message. At first listen it is as if they are throwing spaghetti against the wall to see if any will stick but with more time in the player it becomes a much clearer picture as they use each style to compliment the story. This is one for the pure music lover and if you are a fan of a particular kind of metal then you are going to find this one hard to keep up with. For those who enjoy diversity then you are going to find a disc that does so many different types of music it will be hard to ignore this one.
The first thing that you will be hit with on this disc is the vocal range of lead singer, The Infamous Ms. C. She weaves a magical tapestry with her soaring multi-octave abilities. Trey Xavier is there as the beast with his growling to offset the beauty. They do make a powerful combination. Also, the addition of a choir at key moments make the vocal side of this disc a very diverse and outstanding performance.
Musically, the band as I have already stated travels through many a style but one thing is constant, they are true musicians and pull this off in a way that few can. Whether it be a power metal anthem or a melodic passage they do so with a style and flair that will keep you coming back for more. This album is the complete package for metal fans who are tired of hearing the same thing over and over.
When the first song "Suspense of Disbelief" takes off with a sweeping power metal display you might think that this is going to be nothing more than a clone of so many European bands of the same flavor. Little do we know what they have in store for the listener. From the galloping romp of "Twin Species: The Virtuous and the Vengeful" and the darker gothic "Witch Hunt" where you get the growling Xavier taking the spotlight to the magnificent diversity of "Cataclysmic Shock" and the masterful instrumental "Afterture: Requiem for Planet Earth" this is a disc that contains so many layers of dynamic musical moments it takes many turns in the player to contend with them all. Oh what a tangled web they weave but once you are captured, this band will not let you go!
If this album is any indication than 2012 is going to be a great year for music. In Virtue is setting a pretty high standard and this one is easily going to make many best of list for the new year.
Track listing:
1. Suspense of Disbelief
2. Twin Species: The Virtuous and the Vengeful
3. Witch Hunt
4. In Service to His Madness
5. Alea Iacta Est
6. The Essence of Unreason
7. Foresworn II – Parabola
8. Cataclysmic Shock
9. Dead Black Eyes
10. Afterture: Requem for Planet Earth
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