DEVIATION FROM THE FLOW

Finland's Malpractice is a standard rehash of prog metal by the numbers. Guitar driven riff oriented prog. There is no doubt that Malpractice has instrumental ability, as demonstrated by the over the top Dream Theater-esque riffs and shred fest solos, but a key element is lacking: Originality. This is by no means a bad album, but simply much of the same. The songwriting continues in the same vein for the entire album offer little progression, even for the devoted listener. The opening "Assembly Line" starts with a crunchy catchy riff, moving through a rather standard structure, uninspiring vocals, and stale shred oriented soloing. Repeat for seven more songs. All the typical elements of prog metal are present: Odd time signatures, extended instrumental interludes, sometimes a sudden change in mood from a heavy to soft guitar passage, but nothing spectacular. Subpar production and weak vocals further detract from this session. Progressive, maybe. It will definately appeal to fans of Dream Theater and Fates Warning, but this is by no means even close to essential. However, this release does little to deviate from the flow.

Malpractice is a prog metal band from Finland who has 'till now 3 albums. Deviation from the flow is their second album from 2005. For 2 years I want to listen to this band but always something interfear in my plans geting this band. I put my hand last year in december on their last two albums, this one and Triangular. I was realy impressed, melodic prog metal with some very good moments. Everything what is on this album is pleasent for my ears, of course is nothing special or groundbreaking , but is well played, well produce and with great musicianship. Contrary with the previous reviewer who gives 2 stars to this album, I find it damn catchy, sometimes remind me in manner of interpretation and ideas with Vanishing Point from Australia. Malpractice delivers a kind of prog metal without wankery of other bands like Dream Thater or other bands from this subgenre, is motre straigh melodic power metal with a good doze of progressive elements. Even they use the keyboards as background, only to keep the mood of the piece in right direction, without solos or something spectacular, but good and well played all the time. All the pieces to me are winners and desearve at least some spins if you listen to prog metal. Great vocal parts, great musicianship, good chops, riffs and solos. To me Deviation from the flow is a 4 star album and a pleasent surprise. If you listning to prog metal give this band a try they worth it. Similar bands Vanishing Point or Poverty's no Crime at some point.

This was a pleasant surprise i'll tell ya. Have to give a thankyou to "b olariu" who has been offering up lots of Prog-Metal reviews of late including this one. This Finnish band is very melodic and heavy with some complexity thrown into the mix. The vocals are excellent,they don't stand out like some but they sound really good. Not an average song in the bunch either. Oh,and i really like the cover art.

Talk about hitting the ground running,that's what we get with the first track "Assembly Line". Heavy drums and bass as the guitar grinds away. Vocals follow. Check out the guitar solo 4 minutes in. "Colours In Between" is both heavy and crunchy. Some harmonies in this one too that come and go. While this band sounds nothing like KING'S X that's who I thought of with the harmonies on this track. A great guitar section starts before 3 minutes. "The Industry" is really a tasteful rant against the music industry. Great lyrics on this one. Riffs with vocal harmonies that come and go. Vocals follow. The tempo picks up after a minute. Themes are repeated. Scorching guitar after 3 minutes.

"The Long Run" is thankfully not a cover of that EAGLES song. Haha. Actually ZERO HOUR comes to mind during this song. Nice drum / guitar section 4 minutes in topped off with a killer guitar solo. I really like the mellow section 6 1/2 minutes in. "Divided" features guitar that sounds so good. It gets heavier quickly. Vocals before 1 1/2 minutes as it settles. The tempo keeps shifting on this one. "Expedition" is my favourite song on here. Uptempo with some fantastic guitar and vocals. There is a mellow passage at 3 1/2 minutes and when it ends they kick back in with some ripping guitar. "Circles In The Sand" opens with heavy bass and drums with some complex guitar. Vocals a minute in.The drumming is great. The soundscape from the intro is back after 4 1/2 minutes. Crunchy guitar late. "Fragile Pages" opens with some guest keyboard. Vocals before a minute then the song kicks in.The contrast continues.Tasteful guitar after 4 1/2 minutes and later before 7 minutes. Some brief heaviness after 8 minutes.

Hey at 50 minutes in length it's just right as well. Easily 4 stars.