Tomorrow
Massacre Records
Upon first listen, this Finnish five-piece band didn't really sound like anything special. However, after repeated listens, the music finally started to have an effect.
After forming in 1995, Tunnelvision released their debut While The World Awaits in 1999. The band have gone through numerous line up changes in their time, but things looked fairly solid prior to the recording of their new album, Tomorrow.
There's a militant drum sound opening the album on 'Calling', and Marko Waara's vocals are certainly unique. If you can imagine a cross between Queensryche's Geoff Tate and Nevermore's Warrel Dane, you'll some idea. The keyboard dominated 'Silence' adds a dark sound to the epic, while 'Parasites' simply lumbers along with its heavy riffing. While itís not a definitive ballad, the slow rocking 'Lightning' again highlights Marko's powerful vocals (and Finnish accent). There's an almost power metal feel to 'Time Of The Hunter's Moon', but there's also just enough progressive moments to please fans of the genre. There's also some cool slap bass work from Lauri Porra towards the tail end of the song. 'The Hermit (Wait And See)' has a touch of Dream Theater in its song structure, as does 'Don Juan's Triumph'. As good as that sounds, the chorus in 'Don Juan's Triumph' is really its downfall. It simply lacks that special something.
'Ribbon Of Tears' is another of the albums quieter moments, featuring some tasteful moments from guitarist Vili Ollila, making way for the two epic closing numbers 'Long Voyage Back' and 'While The World Awaits'. Both numbers allow the band to have individual shining moments, and are by far the best tracks on the album (Is that the guitar solo from Alice Cooper's 'Pass The Gun Around' in 'While The World Awaits'?).
Tunnelvision are far from doing anything original in the progressive field. The production as well fails to truly capture the band in full flight. Having said that, Tunnelvision are certainly a band worth keeping an ear on. They may just have a few surprises next time around.
For more information on Tunnelvision, check out - https://www.facebook.com/massacrerecordseurope.
© Justin Donnelly.
No comments:
Post a Comment