Search - Ice Age :: Liberation

Impressive symphonic prog

progmetalfan | Frederick, MD USA | 12/06/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Creating an album capable of following an impressive debut like "The Great Divide" couldn't have been easy, but Ice Age almost makes it look like child's play. Though not a true concept album, the album's eight tracks (plus four short instrumental interludes) all do, in some way, deal with topics of freedom and liberation -- "The Lhasa Road," for instance, is about Tibet. Song-wise, the album also includes "To Say Goodbye, Part III: Still Here," a continuation of the two-part song which appeared on "The Great Divide," and the hard-hitting "The Guardian of Forever," which features guest musician David Z on bass. The album's crown jewel, however, is "When You're Ready," which starts off with acoustic guitar and orchestration, then kicks in during the choruses. It features a phenomenal vocal performance by Josh Pincus, as well as some incredible guitar acrobatics courtesy of Jimmy Pappas (who also created the album's artwork). It is by far the best Ice Age song to date, and leaves the listener anxious to hear what this incredible band will do next."

Stunning

Alexander_TG | UK | 03/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is prog metal of the highest order and over the year since I bought both of Ice Age's albums they have become my favourite prog metal band over Symphony X, Dream Theater and Andromeda. Ice Age are THE premier melodic prog metal band or should I say was.Their sound is lush and colourful whilst maintaining the bridge between prog and metal with some great crunching guitar and some really superb keyboard sounds created by vocalist Josh Pincus. Their is some major talent in this band, Josh Pincus has a great operatic voice that somehow manages to be as colourful as his keyboards. Guitarist Jimmy Pappas is one of the best unknowns out there equally adept to shred and produce moments of melodic genius. Drummer Hal Aponte has a Neil Peart feel about him in his busyness and driving momentum behind the kit. All this and a lyrical content that blows nearly all prog metal bands out the water, Josh adopts a refreshing spiritual theme in his lyrics and as with the great divide their is some truly great poetic words of wisdom.The music like all complex music doesn't sink on the first listen but with time you'll find it's brilliance. It is with a heavy heart I write this review as Ice Age appear to have changed a great deal since this album to a more straight forward dare I say NU-Metal sound, I hope you know what your doing Josh, I'll certainly miss the old Ice Age as will all your fans."

WOW! YOU HAVE TO HEAR THIS!!!

erdy1 | Portland, OR USA | 11/05/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I've had this CD for one week and can't stop listening to it. I've probably listened to it over 20 times now! Absolutely INCREDIBLE. I haven't had this strong of a positive reaction to a CD since Echolyn's "Mei" and Glass Hammer's "Lex Rex." I'm not much of a metal fan, but I make a few exceptions. Ice Age tastefully tread the line between progressive rock and metal...and when I say progressive, I mean it! Music is very tight and complex. People have compared Ice Age to Dream Theater and Shadow Gallery - in my opinion, this album easily surpasses anything by either of these other two bands that I've heard. The music is well composed, with nice development and transitions between sections. You just have to experience the incredible talents of these musicians.The first track, "The Lhasa Road (No Surrender)" was an immediate favorite. In fact, I decided to buy this CD based entirely on the positive reviews I'd read and amazon.com's sample of this one song. It is one of the coolest songs I've ever heard. But there isn't really a weak song on here - every one is awesome.If you care at all for progressive rock or metal, this one is a must. Be sure to give it several listens, as it takes a while to sink in.Now I'm excited to check out their first CD "The Great Divide!""