DEADWING

This band offers yet another significant change in sound for the band, but yet again it is justified. The album is a stunning piece from start to finish, offering everything from heavy distorted riffs to melodic solos and surreal mellotron we all love. The album starts with Deadwing which intros some looping synth until the song explodes. Throughout the piece there is a monster rythem section, some of the hardest playing PT has showed us yet. As farther proof, the front man of Opeth contributes vocals and guitar to the album. You may be contemplating whether or not to listen to this album, as some of the reviews ponder the progginess of it, but do not be repelled by that. This album is as unique sounding as any other prog band could have to offer. Unlike other PT albums though, this one didn't catch my attention instantaneously. But after enough listens everything from Deadwing to Glass Arm Shattering remains a highlight in PT's impressive career. There is something for everyone on this album. Shallow is an excellent hard rock song for the prog metal fans, and Mellotron Scratch, though it doesn't include much mellotron use, is an excellent mellow track for the symphonic prog fans. The album has a lot of range, and includes all the sounds in PT's career. Though heavier than previous albums, the overall PT sound can still be easily heard. Lazarus, with it's intricate harmonies and beautiful piano playing; Halo with it's thumping bass lines and spacey chorus, both songs are major highlights. However the bulk of the album comes with the absolute masterpiece, Arriving Somewhere But Not Here. This song sums up PT's entire career. It begins with some really ambient keyboard effects and moves into some dreamy arpeggios created by a clean guitar. By the time the vocals and the haunting mellotron enter you're already transfixed by the song. Then all the sudden BOOM the song bursts into one of the most riveting emotional sections you'll ever hear a band play. Enough said. This song has something for everyone and I have never played it for a person who didn't enjoy it. Just when you think the album couldn't possibly continue, Mellotron Scratch enters. The song offers somewhat a "calm after the storm" from the explosive Arriving Somewhere. The next few tracks won't disappoint either. Open Car creates some more driving riffs and The Start of Something Beautiful uses some genius rythm on Gavin Harrison's part. Continuing through a 5/4 beat for the majority of the song, this is the 2nd major highlight of the album. The instrumental section in the middle is some of the finest orchestration PT has ever put together. Glass Arm Shattering concludes everything with some great swirly keyboards. Overall this album is the most impressive piece of music put out in 2005, and has something enjoyable for fans of any prog subgenre. Essential modern music.

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