NOW!
Swedish progressive metallers Renaissance Of Fools are about to release their debut album entitled Faith, Hope & Frustration. The CD title is appropriate, as the listener will undoubtedly experience all three of those feelings while playing it.
Founded by guitarist/composer Daniel Magdic (Pain of Salvation) and drummer Magnus Karlsson (ex-Leech & Machina – not to be confused with Primal Fear’s guitarist of the same name) and later bolstered by bassist BjörnTauman and guitarist/vocalist Kjell Bergendahl; Renaissance Of Fools is looking to enter the crowded progressive metal scene. They hope to stand out by mixing in some heavier elements along with some lighter meditative aspects, thus broadening the range of the genre.
The songwriting is solid throughout the release, and the musicianship is top-notch, but the overall musical tone is dark, heavy and a bit depressing. Kjell Sjostrom is a solid singer, but at times he seems to follow the overall tone of the album and comes across as somewhat disinterested or bored. He does have many fine moments, perhaps the strongest being the intense and varied “Misguided Mind”. Sjostrom’s guitar works well with the vast talents of primary guitarist Daniel Magdic, who loves laying down thick and heavy riffs and well as brilliant solos. The bottom end and backbone of Renaissance Of Fools is provided by standout bassist Bjorn Tauman and fine drummer Magnus Karlsson. These two make a fine team and really hold the album together whether playing at full steam or tiptoeing through a more ballad-like piece.
Transcend brings a whole new musical world to the table in the epic masterpiece: The Mind. Ranging from the heaviest riffs and odd-time extended instrumental sections to soft male-female vocal duets and Greek Bouzouki parts, we are taken on an inspiring journey by these young virtuosos. Although Transcend echoes with originality, their influences remain clear and often intentionally obvious to any fans of Progressive Metal. Their music screams; Dream Theater, Symphony X, Pain of Salvation, Devin Townsend and Opeth – but also takes us to dreamier worlds like those of Pink Floyd, King Crimson and at times even Elton John and The Tea Party.
