Fool's Game - Reality Divine

October 9, 2009

Reviewer: M.J.

The impetus for Fool’s Game debut, Reality Divine, was Matt Crooks’ parting of ways with the Virginia based power metal band Division. Originally starting out as a one man project, Fool’s Game evolved into a full fledged band once Crooks and the other musicians hit the studio. The band, rounded out by Matt Johnsen (Pharoh) on guitar, drummer John Macaluso (Starbreaker and Ark), keyboardist Nick van Dyk (Redemption) and Manticora veteran vocalist, Lars Larsen, make a strong case for their brand of progressive power metal on Reality Divine.

For sound comparisons, one can mention big name bands like Iced Earth, Blind Guardian, and Savatage, but in the end Fool’s Game have pulled off a sound that is pretty much their own. While not necessarily breaking any new ground here, they have turned in a very solid and fairly impressive debut.

The band stands squarely in the power metal camp but also incorporates progressive flourishes and a classic metal flair that harkens back to the 80s without ever sounding dated. Most songs stick to a mid range pacing and are structured around melodic themes that are too enjoyable to resist especially with the quick flashes of twin harmonics. Matt Crook’s powerful meaty guitar sound interplays nicely with Matt Johnsen’s neoclassical leads; most notably on songs like “Mass Psychosis” and the rousing “Sowing Dead Seeds”. Crooks lays down all the bass work which complements the interesting and non traditional power metal drum stylings of John Macaluso (check out “The Wilds Swans at Coole”). Richly rooted in the background, are Nick’s keyboards that are the binding agent for this pastoral tapestry of sound. Lastly, Larsen and his unique vocal talents present the wild card here. Originally, I didn’t care much for his vocals. I thought they were rather flat, weak and uninspired. After a few spins, I began to realize there were more subtleties that I had initially missed. The best moments occur when his vocal tracks are layered. Enunciation and diction are a weak point but that is understandable since English is probably not his native tongue.

Surprise guest, Tim Aymar (Control Denied and Pharoh) contributes vocals to the sprawling epic “The Conqueror Worm”. His voice is well suited for this challenging song and strengthens its urgency when coupled with Larsen’s impassioned singing. The band shows its willingness to take risks by offering up their interpretation of a folk standard in the song “She Moved Through the Fair”. As an added bonus, it is delicately accentuated with female vocals.

Overall this is a strong debut with a few areas showing the need for growth but its depth, complexity and dense musical arrangements and songwriting should win over many new fans looking for more than just the standard fare of power metal. This release is a boost and a beacon to the power/progressive scene in the U.S.

Release Date: September 14, 2009
Label: Cruz Del Sur Music

TRACK LISTING

1.  Mass Psychosis
2.  When the Beginning
     Meets the End
3.  Sowing Dead Seeds
4.  As the Field of Dreams
     was Abandoned
5.  The Conqueror Worm
6.  Prelude to the Fair
7.  She Moved Through the Fair
8.  The Wild Swans at Coole
9.  On Endless Planes
     of Ignorance

Total playing time: 46:38

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