The Third Grade: The Garden of the Whispers

The Third Grade was born in 2009, in Spain. The band includes: Jose Masiá, on guitar, lead male vocals, synths, and programming; Daniel Castillo, on bass, backing vocals, and synths; Laura Millán, on vocals; and Javier Escorcia, on drums, and backing vocals.

The band released their first, self-titled album in February of 2012. Now they return with their new EP The Garden of the Whispers. "Goodbye Lullaby", opens the EP well, with beautiful piano and strings. However, the opening only lasts a little over a minute.

"Waves of Lust" arrives on the scene with power drums, bass, and lead electric guitars bursting through. Masiá and Millán's combined vocals make for a great team. Their coordinated delivery provides an original sound that the heavy metal genre truly needs. The power guitar, drums and bass deliver enough sonic power to make you want to see this band live. The sonic attack that begins at around 4 minutes into "Waves of Lust" is excellent…except that they add some growling vocals to keep up with the current trend in metal.

"The Twisted Side of Geometry" opens with a cool keyboard sound and fast moving lead electric and bass. The keyboards throughout this track and the album are brilliant, driving the rhythm and melody well. This is an instrumental showcase for the band, and they do not disappoint. Imagine Dream Theater's first album with a Spanish twist. They even add some meletron – like sounds to take this, the best track, over the edge.

"The Garden of the Whispers" brings a return of that early Dream Theater sound complete with keys, bass, lead electric and drums. This time the dual vocalists return to deliver a more elaborate story. The mid – track break allows Millán her first solo vocal and you, like me, will probably wish she had more time. The drumming is out of this world.

"Holes – "Live" is a wonderful surprise. An opportunity to hear the band perform live. They do not disappoint. The keyboard work at the opening is spectacular. This time Masiá and Millán trade moments in the spotlight as lead vocalists and we are all better for the experience. The chunky bass on this track will make this live performance memorable. The lead guitar on this over 9 minute epic is also inspired.

This is a great new band that I look forward to hearing more from in the future. Fantastic keyboards, power lead electric guitar, chunky bass, male and female lead singers…all the elements you would want in a modern band. Give this album a chance and if you are a Dream Theater/progressive metal fan you will not be disappointed.

Track Listing:

1. Goodbye Lullaby
2. Waves of Lust
3. The Twisted Side of Geometry
4. The Garden of the Whispers
5. Holes – "Live"

Added: October 7th 2013
Reviewer: Mark Johnson
Score:
Related Link: thethirdgrade.bandcamp.com
Hits: 2400
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend ]