Heaven's Cry: Primal Power Addiction

It’s been nearly six years since the Quebec based prog metal band “Heaven’s Cry” released their epic debut Food for Thought Substitute… and I’ve been waiting for a follow up every day since. Food for Thought Substitute was an ambitious album, where every song stood out on it’s own and the band’s style seemed uniquely original. Unfortunately, while critically praised, it fell under the radar for most progressive metal fans and the band itself drifted into the abyss battling their former record company and management. Last year they finally signed with DVS records to deliver their long awaited followup: Primal Power Addiction.

Was it worth the wait? To that I will answer a definitive “yes”. However those expecting the same straight ahead “wall of sound” metal anthems that opened their first disc may be a tad disappointed. Although there are spots on this album where the guitars are surely cranked to ten, compared to it’s predecessor, Primal Power Addiction is a much more subdued, textured and complex work. Culling influences from Kansas to King Crimson, jazz, funk, rock, and even ska elements are all combined into the musical collage that forms the disc’s ten primary tracks. Immediately evident are the same individual musical contributions that made the first album such a great disc. The rich vocal harmonies of guitarist Pierre St.-Jean and bass player Sylvain Auclair… the twisting guitar melodies St. Jean, and co-guitarist Sebastian Boisvert. Olaf Quinzano’s ornate finger picking style and Luc D' Aoust’s syncopated drumming. There are no weak spots in this group, all five are killer musicians.

If it’s the chemistry behind these five players that gives the songs wings it’s the thought provoking lyrics that gives them flight. With song titles like “Masterdom’s Profit”, “A Higher Moral Ground” and “A New Paradigm” you know it’s time to put your thinking cap on. Creative, and original lyrics fill each song without becoming too overly philosophical. With the longest track clocking in at 5:35 minutes all of the songs are tight and to the point. There’s even a bonus track that some purist’s may hate, but I personally enjoyed; a rocking cover of Midnight Oil’s 1989 hit “Bed’s Are Burning”. Combined with a crisp clean production, all of the tracks on this disc really shine.

To really take in all this album has to offer may take several listens but in the end, it may never leave your cd changer. It’s a must have disc for any prog listeners collection. It took “Heaven’s Cry” a few years of waiting to release this album, but to this listener and fan, it was more than worth it.

Added: January 20th 2003
Reviewer: Grant Kikkert
Score:
Related Link: Heaven's Cry Offical Website
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Language: english

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