FUTURE WORLD

ARTENSION are a multi-national band that was formed in Switzerland in the nineties.This is their seventh and most recent album from 2005. John West is the vocalist here and the only name I recognize.The music has a classical flavour, and at times that Power-Metal rhythm comes to the fore. Keyboards are very upfront, much more so than the guitar. Well all these things add up to me not liking this album at all. Just my tastes in Metal that's all, because man these guys can play. I just don't appreciate it or enjoy it.

"Dark Before The Dawn" opens with keys as a galloping rhythm comes in with vocals.There's that Power-Metal style right there. Guitar before 2 minutes solos followed by bass then it kicks back in. "The Day Of Judgement" has some gymnastics early before it settles in with vocals. Guitar after 2 minutes when the vocals stop. Keys follow then the earlier melody returns. "Federation" opens with synths which are replaced quickly by a thunderous rhythm. Spoken vocals and a calm are followed by riffs.Themes are repeated and we get some crazy synths too. Not a fan. "Tree Of Knowledge" opens with piano as background synths come in. It kicks in after a minute. A calm with vocals a minute later. I like when the vocals get more powerful a minute after that. It kicks in before 5 minutes again. Lots of synths.

"Prelude" is filled with piano melodies. "Future World" has a good rhythm then it settles with vocals. I like West's passionate vocals on the chorus. A calm with piano before 4 1/2 minutes then we get some tasteful guitar before 6 minutes. "Close To The Sun" is pretty good. The focus is on the vocals, that's probably why. "Take Me Into Your Arms" is heavier but then it settles with vocals and piano. Kind of like a power ballad really. "Stand & Fight" is uptempo with lots of synths. "I Really, Really Don't Care" is how I feel at this point. "Moonlight Sonata-1st Movement" opens with quiet piano.

I don't give a lot of 2 stars because I can usually find lots to like with an album even if i'm not a big fan of it. That's not the case here. It's insulting in my opinon to throw 1 stars at albums just because you don't like them or don't "get them" when others are giving 4 and 5 stars for the same recording. My rant of the day (haha).