Frank X – Progressive Metal – Canada
Frank X and the Unreality Show – 2017
Independant
8.5/10
Frank X and the Unreality Show – 2017
Independant
8.5/10
Frank X, actually named François Dallaire is not a novice in the Quebec metal scene. He played in “Damaged” band at the end of the 80s with musicians who were later in Gorguts alongside Luc Lemay. Speaking of the devil, Luc Lemay is featured on Frank X's second album Frank X and the Unreality Show.
I’ve heard of the first album released in 2015 but hadn’t gave it a full listening. So I amend this time with the new album which surprised me somewhat. I have to say however that I got almost turned off upon the very first track of the album which is actually an introduction of nearly five minutes featuring dialogues between characters. The over-use of "pitch" effects brings a synthetic feel and not too serious but possibly on purpose. This intro is certainly too long giving no other choice then moving to the next as quickly as possible.
When the first real song begins, we feel that we’re gonna travel into bursting sound streams throughout the album. The guitars are very low pitched and mid tempos from track to track are pretty much the same. Faster beats are not of Frank X’s business who prefers to fill your ears with explosive and interesting arrangements. The musician has an undeniable talent for writting and is not afraid of adding non-standard sounds and textures to spice up and enhance his compositions. Keyboards are used with intelligence and the overall production is really surprising. This album is a monk’s labor.
Musically speaking, Frank X could baffle the “average” Metalhead who may like to stay in its comfort zone. The sound and style of the guitars remind the early Korn and Soulfy albums while rhythm and sounds have a little industrial flavor in the path of Prong and Fear Factory. Add the disturbing trend of Devin Townsend on top of that with the voice of the late Layne Staley (Alice in Chains) and you’ll get a good idea of Frank X musical orientation.
In the end, Frank X and the Unreality Show is a so colorful and musically very well structured album written with brilliant arrangements and crazy ideas. Perhaps a little long and redundant at times but musical quality is taking over enough to not bother. My hat goes off to Frank X. It's a great success!
Sinistros
http://www.hurlemort.com
I’ve heard of the first album released in 2015 but hadn’t gave it a full listening. So I amend this time with the new album which surprised me somewhat. I have to say however that I got almost turned off upon the very first track of the album which is actually an introduction of nearly five minutes featuring dialogues between characters. The over-use of "pitch" effects brings a synthetic feel and not too serious but possibly on purpose. This intro is certainly too long giving no other choice then moving to the next as quickly as possible.
When the first real song begins, we feel that we’re gonna travel into bursting sound streams throughout the album. The guitars are very low pitched and mid tempos from track to track are pretty much the same. Faster beats are not of Frank X’s business who prefers to fill your ears with explosive and interesting arrangements. The musician has an undeniable talent for writting and is not afraid of adding non-standard sounds and textures to spice up and enhance his compositions. Keyboards are used with intelligence and the overall production is really surprising. This album is a monk’s labor.
Musically speaking, Frank X could baffle the “average” Metalhead who may like to stay in its comfort zone. The sound and style of the guitars remind the early Korn and Soulfy albums while rhythm and sounds have a little industrial flavor in the path of Prong and Fear Factory. Add the disturbing trend of Devin Townsend on top of that with the voice of the late Layne Staley (Alice in Chains) and you’ll get a good idea of Frank X musical orientation.
In the end, Frank X and the Unreality Show is a so colorful and musically very well structured album written with brilliant arrangements and crazy ideas. Perhaps a little long and redundant at times but musical quality is taking over enough to not bother. My hat goes off to Frank X. It's a great success!
Sinistros
http://www.hurlemort.com