October 10, 2010

Reviewer: The Stream

There hasn’t been much in terms of new material from the Prog metal side lately. The relatively low amount of activity as well as the recent staffing change that Dream Theater announced presents an opportunity for lesser known prog bands such as Fracture, an unsigned Norweigan outfit, to prove themselves, and in this case, secure record contracts.

Fracture is a group of young Norwegians who have been involved in numerous other projects over the last few years. Dominate and Overload, which is entirely self-produced by members of Fracture, is their first and only full-length release. I was a bit skeptical when I read about this progressive metal outfit from Norway. I usually identify Norway as the land of church-arsonist black metallers rather than relatively mainstream progressive metal.

Regardless of my preconceptions about Dominate and Overload, the album definitely delivered 9 strong tracks of prog metal. The first track, “Sulphur Preacher,” showcases drummer Per Morten Bergseth’s double bass skills as well Pål Strand’s vocal ability. The very next track, “Apple of Eden,” features King Diamond-style vocals, which was definitely an interesting addition to this style of music.

Beyond the first two tracks there is a limited degree of variation. One word I would use to describe the majority of the tracks on Dominate and Overload is “commercial”. Songs like “Wavemaster” and “Soulcatcher” contain easy to identify hooks and memorable choruses. One could definitely draw parallels to commercially acceptable prog outfits such as Tarot and Evergrey after listening to this album from start to finish.

One element that adds to the “commercial” feel of the album is the production. Completely self-produced, Dominate and Overload has a very professional feel. The relatively spotless production is a pleasant surprise on the debut album of an unsigned band.

The vast majority of tracks on Dominate and Overload are mid-tempo with 1-2 guitar solos, as well as some synthesizer accents here and there. Lars Havraas’s bass was very audible during certain songs, although bass lines were not overly complicated. I am not disputing the fact that Fracture is a group of talented musicians, rather I would have preferred to hear more “out of the box” material that isn’t apt to be mass produced. The only 2 “fast” songs on the album are “Unbreakable” and title track “Dominate and Overload”. A better balance between slow and fast tracks would have made this album more enjoyable.

One element of the musicianship on Dominate and Overload that cannot be ignored is Bergseth’s undeniable drumming skills. Stylistically progressive, Bergseth’s unique syncopations as well as his precise kick drumming invoke memories of Dream Theater’s Train of Thought and adds a dimension to the music that would be otherwise flat. Jostein Thomassen and Wegard Golebowski are both skilled guitarists. Although solo credit isn’t given in the liner notes, one of these two young guitarists is very obviously influenced by Yngwie Malmsteen. Several solos contain bluesy licks with chromatic runs, which are often superimposed over Bergseth’s kick drumming. 

Dominate and Overload is definitely a strong first release for a young band. Although there wasn’t anything new and exciting, Fracture is definitely a band to keep an eye on - this band has a bright future ahead of them assuming they secure a record contract and stick together.

Release Date: January 1, 2010
Label: Band Self Released

TRACK LISTING

1.  Sulphur Preacher
2.  Apple Of Eden
3.  Wavemaster
4.  Stranger Within
5.  Monument Of Shame
6.  Soulcatcher
7.  Unbreakable
8.  Dominate And Overload
9.  I Just Smile

Total playing time:  41:13

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Fracture - Dominate and Overload