FRAMESHIFT An Absence Of Empathy
ProgRock Records (2006)
Frameshift is basically guitarist/bassist/keyboard player/programmer Henning Pauly, with drummer Eddie Marvin, and on this, their second album, singer Sebastian Bach (Skid Row).
The opening sound of a tuning radio is a little annoying (grates a bit, a bad start, it's not clever), and the wizardry effects are a little anal, but apart from that opening track 'Human Grain' is a good solid metal track. Odd guitar runs are very clever, and just about keep within the song.
'Just One More' also kicks off with a second of ‘noise' - which is odd. Why open a rather good song with a 1 second burst that just pisses you off, puts you on the back foot?
The music is largely very heavy trad metal, which suits Bach's voice well.
Track 3, 'Miseducation', opens with a guitar chord, an idea you immediately warm to. A touch sleazy, a touch of 80s Alice Cooper beefed up somewhat, which suits Bach even better.
The songs improve, the sound excellent, some good riffs, a touch of metal opera. There's even a nod at Iron Maiden on 'Push The Button'.
When they're not trying to be too clever and too technical at the same time, there are some excellent vocal and guitar moments.
***
Review by Joe Geesin
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