To soothe my ears and ease my mind
And so another written page
Will turn into the everflow
Will no one ever really know about me
Should they even care"
One Word Review: Luminous
Words can't quite capture the essence of what this album has, it has to be experienced.
Making a definite change since their mind-blowing debut A social grace, Into the Everflow proves to be even more challenging and mysterious than its predecessor. Into the Everflow leaves much of the "in your face" feeling of A social grace behind and goes for a more subtle way to spellbind the listener. I would say this is one of the weirdest albums in my collection but also one those I treasure the most. Progressive Metal is the order of the day, if you really boil it down to its barest essence, and this is one of those ordeals that may take time to get under your skin, but when it does I promise you won't grow tired of it anytime soon. Hidden within the ripples of this music are countless moments of genius musicianship, far-out experiments and surreal atmospheres, and most important of all, moments of pure beauty.
A mysterious atmosphere sucks you in right from the start. The dreamy opening minutes of Ashes gives me a feeling of entering a theater and sitting down in a comfortable chair as the lights fade, not knowing what will happen. When the ten ton heavy dual guitar riff kicks in the effect is powerful beyond anything else. There is a crunch to the guitar sound that has it tearing through the fabric of even the most hardened speaker. This must be heard loud to get the proper effect. The song is like a sea, flowing in and out of moods, finally rising like a wave of emotion as Buddy Lackey's voice enters the song and that guitar melody in the background lifts you higher and higher into space. This is a very surprising start to the album.
Living up to their name, what happens next with Out of mind cannot be described in any other way than psychotic. The ultra heavy guitars create chaos by throwing an abundance of riffs at the listener, while Buddy Lackey's voice floats on top giving the song a trippy kind of feel. His voice stands in contrast to the music as each doesn't seem to be following the same melody. All I can say is that it somehow works 100%. This is one of those types of songs you won't hear anywhere else and I remember the first time I heard it I just sat there with my mouth hanging open. Wild, flamboyant, existential.
The slightly more normal (if that is a way to put it with this band) Tiny Streams continues to show how the band has evolved since the debut. With a running time of just 5 minutes and jam-packed with cool passages, this is a very complex song where every instrument has something to say.
Into The Everflow, the title track has a brooding atmosphere that builds slowly but surely towards a spine tingling climax. Halfway through the two guitars break away and begin building melody upon melody in the most genius way. This gives me an experience of falling through a strange dream, unable to wake up and as Buddy Lackey's smooth voice enters the sound, the dream suddenly comes alive. When both guitars join the same melody the effect is astounding and overall this is not just a completely satisfying song, it is an experience in itself and spellbinding unlike anything else.
The guitar playing on this album is nothing short of ear-flappingly amazing. I have never heard two guitarists complement each other so well before. Often splitting the speakers between them, Brian McAlpin and Dan Rock do all kinds of crazy things and their sheer brilliance almost makes you forget the other instruments. That would be a real shame though as Ward Evans on Bass and Norm Leggio on Drums have just as equal a part in making the music work. I have a hard time putting words to their skills, but concentrating on either the drums or bass it is apparent that here is someone who has timing and the skill to tease and impress the attentive listener. Amazing musicians all around.
Little people sets of at high speed and has a completely weird and surprising guitar riff. Again the way the two guitars play together and harmonise (Disharmonise?) in a spellbinding way. The drumming on this song is a journey in itself and provides a lot of interesting detail.
Hanging on a string is the albums simplest and most relaxing moment. It is a brilliant song and one of my favorites. The melody is soothing and I have found myself singing along with this one on several occasions. Buddy Lackey's voice has a tinge of sadness to it and it feels like he is living out the lyrics.
Freakshow opens with a hectic, stressful feeling and the roundabout riff doesn't make it any less exotic. Buddy sings hard and loud in the first part, but suddenly the whole song changes in mood and tempo as it passes through an incredibly beautiful passage where a heavenly guitar sound gives a sense of tranquility amidst all the chaos. Buddy's voice is soft and relaxed and I have thought for many years that this is one of the most beautiful passages ever recorded. A similar passage returns later with an even greater impact. Now the perfect guitar sound has changed from tranquil to a crunchier, more electric sound and here it takes on an otherworldly life of its own. These are chilling moments when I know that something immortal has been created. This song is a showcase of magical contrasts.
Butterfly provides a very complex ending to the album and I will let you fly through it unguided.
Where the music is a showcase of mind-blowing ingenuity and creativity, the lyrical part of the album is a trapdoor into the strange mind of lead singer Buddy Lackey and a showcase of his skill for writing poetry, imbuing the music with soul in the process. While the lyrics are not exactly an ode to joy and can at the first impression, be perceived as the surreal hallucinations of an out of control drug haze, the real reward comes after looking closer, devouring the heavy metaphors and untangling the shroud that hangs over the lyrics. Behind that there is substance, real substance, and room for making your own interpretation. Be it comments on the aftermath of war, contemplating the essence of being, results of bad parenting, being controlled by the expectations of society, mental instability, religion, honoring your inspirations or whatever else you might pick up. The last three songs feel very personal and evoke some strong emotions. Combined and cut down to its barest essence, the music and lyrics can bring a transcendent state of mental relaxation which is just beautiful. Not much music has this effect on me.
Into the Everflow is one of the most unique albums in my collection. This is a band that's not afraid to try new things and it is an album that will still surprise you even today. Pure musicianship and talent combined with an incredible sense of melody and attention to detail makes this a small masterpiece. Into the everflow is a strange and beautiful experience that goes on forever.
Written By Steen
Online: Thursday, January 10, 2013
Video Section
Into the Everflow
Comments
Legacy Comments
Friday, January 11, 2013 - Kathrin erps
...just to share a dream with you....I believe~ GreaT song! :)
Friday, January 11, 2013 - Daniel
Great review and I agree 100%. Into the Everflow is an amazing album and it truly is more of an experience than just music. McAlpin & Rock's guitar playing is so unique that I'd like to dub them my favorite guitarist (duo) ever. No other two guitar players have ever been so synchronized in their playing.