Fatal Fusion: Dissonant Minds

Eleven years ago, I was introduced to the Norwegian progressive rock band Fatal Fusion and their debut album Land of the Sun. It was a mixture of classic rock and prog, rooted in the classic ‘70s style. Four albums later we have their latest effort titled Dissonant Minds, released in July, 2020. Bands like Led Zeppelin, King Crimson, Rush and Pink Floyd are just a few that come to mind.

What you get are four tracks spread over forty-three minutes beginning with the fourteen plus minute “Coming Forth by Day�, a four part epic transitioning seamlessly between different themes and musical sections. It starts fast with quick drums and guitar with added orchestrations. Crunchier riffs enter shrouded in a blanket of keyboards. Further rhythmic changes lead to a wonderful synth solo, so sweet on the ears, and more neat riff progressions. The transition to acoustic guitar is completely natural, the soundscape sweetened with a lovely arpeggio and easy-going melodic vocals. An addictive chorus soon follows and a guitar solo that is as catchy as they come. Classic hard rock in the vein of Kansas can be heard on the catchy “Quo Vadimus� where mellow and heavy collide creating an unforgettable ride through the annals of classic progressive rock. I really dig the East Indian tones in the guitar and flute solos. The grittiness in Knut’s vocals and the fabulous bass playing of Lasse really stand out. The instrumental “Beneath the Skydome� has lovely orchestrations and slows the pace allowing the listener to catch one’s breath. Just a lovely ballad, very orchestral and majestic and has a Floyd thing going when the keys lead to a marching drum beat. The massive epic “Broken Man pt. 2� ends the disc with aplomb, taking us on another unforgettable journey through varying time sigs and fine instrumental prowess.

Fatal Fusion have really upped their game on Dissonant Minds. A no-brainer recommendation if there ever was one.

An Apollon Records release.

Fatal Fusion are:
Knut Erik Grøntvedt (vocals)
Stig Selnes (guitars)
Erlend Engebretsen (keyboards)
Lasse Lie (bass)
Audun Engebretsen (drums)

Discography:
Land of the Sun (2010)
The Ancient Tale (2013)
Total Absence (2016)
Dissonant Minds (2020)

Track Listing:
1. Coming Forth by Day (14:23)
a) Another Day in the Dead
b) Memories of a Slave
c) Into the Underworld
d) Speak my Name
2. Quo Vadimus (7:42)
3. Beneath the Skydome (4:23)
4. Broken Man pt. 2 (16:43)
a) Chained and Broken
b) Dissolving a Legend
c) Angry and Vengeful
d) Thoughts of Regret
e) Peace at Last?

Added: October 28th 2021
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 1275
Language: english

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