Search - Front Line Assembly :: Maniacal

Rhys returns

suchman | 11/17/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Bill and Rhys team up on Maniacal (and upcoming Civilization - Jan 20th) for "the last" FLA record (only time will tell). Rhys has commented on the conjureone.com forums that this new round of material is among their most inspired work together. He also commented that "Maniacal" moves FLA forward from the "Hard Wired" era, but without as much layering. Indeed from the song's haunting opening and oddly looping choir samples, we get a darker and more gothic taste than last 3 FLA works, and with the straightforward, rigid bass/snare beat structure comparisons to Hard Wired are warranted.The music is relatively simple and straightforward as well, for example, there are no chord changes that include the baselines along with it, such as on Poem, Chimera, and Epitaph. The only real chord change at all is a simple 3-step progression in the chorus, which does not divert away from Leeb's vocal range and allows him to track nicely with the melody. The lyrics and vocal delivery are among the best Leeb has done is a while, putting some rage in his voice, which has been largely absent as of late. Rhys's programming abilities have never been exceptional, so don't expect anything groundbreaking here - the programming is clean and functional, and occasionally has some impressive tricks and effects added, but remains very simple compared to previous works. Gone is the ultra-slick programming of Epitaph or even spots of Implode, which showcased wild and complicated percussion patterns and greatly superior sound synthesis mostly thanks to former partner, Chris Peterson. However, this does not change the fact that we have very catchy tunes here, with a mish-mash of different elements competing for the highlights. This effect does leave me with the impression that the tracks are a bit unfocused, but probably more interesting at the same time. Ultimately, with the tracks being a bit less complex than other recent FLA material and with a more deliberate attempt at some "catchiness" (BANG!) we get something darker and more fun. Can't wait for more!"

Its all about "ANTI"

nvcameron | Chicago, illinois USA | 10/24/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The new single "Maniacal" is really good but doesnt have a stong enough hook for me. Technically its amazing as to be expected from these guys. Reminds me of old school FLA(Gashed Senses and Crossfire)but with todays technology and a hint of Delerium thrown in for good measure.The reason I gave this five stars & the real reason for buying this cd-single is for the b-side "Anti", this track is absolutely incredible, its a spacey industrial mood piece with disembodied voices and other noises floating thru the mix and it runs about 8 minutes long. If you have a great stereo system or high end headphones(even if you dont just turn up the volume)prepared to be amazed. I feel this is one of the best things FLA has ever done & I pray that the new album "Civilisation" is more like this b-side than the actual single, if so this could easily be one of their best albums, maybe even better than Tactical Neural Implant. Only time will tell."

Good Bye Mr. Peterson. :-(

Christopher W. Curry | Indianapolis, IN | 10/03/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm reserving the right to speak at great lengths about this upcoming Front Line Assembly record until I've heard it in its entirety. However, judging from this single I can only guess that fans of Hard Wired and Millennium will most surely be thrilled. Rhys Fulber is back in the fold and it's REAL obvious. Fans of the Chris Peterson stuff may be a bit put off as the 2 tracks displayed here represent a less innovative side of Front Line. From what I can tell Leeb has his foot planted firmly in the nearest discothèque with a yearning to hit the concert stage. - C. Curry"