Remember that old HBO comedy show, Dream On where the star (I never knew his name) would flashback to old Movies and TV shows. Guess what? Braindance does the same thing in their music, strategically incorporating samplings from movies and TV shows in their bizarre brand of up tempo dark melancholy progressive music.
Braindance centers around buff vocalist/lyricist Sebastian Elliot and hot lady guitarist/keyboardist/songwriter Vora Vor with new bandmembers, Robynne Naylor, keyboards, violin & viola, Andrew Bunk, 5&6 string bass guitars
Stygmie Von Skunk, percussive instruments
Braindance is acknowledged as a most creative, unique progressive metal band. They label their blend of art metal, goth, industrial, doom, and dark electronica, "Progressive darkwave". Every independent review I have read on these guys have given glowing recommendations.
Braindance is from the New York area and they are constantly playing gigs in clubs around the Big Apple. I know because, I get an email about a concert about every three weeks. Unfortunately, being in Arizona, it doesn't do me any good but if you live around NY, I'll bet they put on a Hell of a show.
Fear Itself was their first studio album, released in 1995. Redemption is a more recent album released in 2001, Redemption has 11 tracks totaling about 64 minutes in length. Both albums are quite similar and as mentioned before, the music is original and unique dark progressive metal often augmented by the insertion of movie dialog. In fact track #6, "Reduction", is nothing but samplings. It is a very interesting combination. The music itself reminds me of Peter Steele's Type O Negative and Marilyn Manson with a little Depeche Mode thrown in but the musicianship is more elaborate. In fact the music is exceptionally professional, with deep synth textures, throbbing drum beats, and chugging guitar riffs around Elliott's husky vocals. Come to think of it, the music kind of resembles that remarkably, unusual band of the eighties, Frankie goes to Hollywood. (no wonder I like this)
Tracklist:
1. Refracture 4:44 ****1/2
2. Resurrection 5:39 *****
3. Resurgence 5:11 ***1/2
4. Return 5:28 ***
5. Relentless 8:03 *****
6. Reduction (inst.) 3:15 N/R
7. Resilience 5:00 ****1/2
8. Remission (inst.) 7:19 *****
9. Requiem (inst.) 4:43 ****
10. Reflexion 6:21 ***1/2
11. Redemption 8:13 *****
The album starts with "Refracture" a medium fast, heavily guitar and keyboard influenced number. "Resurrection" is slower and darker sans samplings. "Resurgence" is a medium fast song with a bongo beat, with few samplings. Reminds me a tiny bit of Gino Vannelli. The fourth track "Return",(which I didn't like much) is kind of an ethereal ballad. Next, "Relentless" one of the best song is an eight minute gem of variable tempos and styles including some eastern and latin. Track 6 "Reduction", is strictly dialog from movies and TV and "Resilience" is a nice medium slow almost power ballad. Tracks 8 & 9 are both instrumentals. "Remission", a medium fast number, has a very strong Frankie Goes to Hollywood feel, While "Requiem" is darker and mysterious, featuring a violin and viola. Next is "Reflexion" a slower song with some good guitar solos but not much else. The title track "Redemption" completes the album with a very Peter Steele sound in a slow hard rock mode and haunting vocals.
The lyrics generally cover standard darker themes like betrayal, broken dreams, pain, and redemption.
Braindance (USA) - 2001 - "Redemption"
(64 min, 'Progressive Dark-Wave')
Line-up:
Vora Vor - electric & acoustic guitars,
programming, vocals
Sebastian Elliott - lead vocals (chameleon)
With:
Robynne Naylor - keyboards, violin & viola, backing
Andrew Bunk - 5&6 string bass guitars
Stygmie Von Skunk - real percussive instruments
All music by Vora Vor.
All lyrics by Sebastian Elliott.
Produced, engineered & edited by Vora Vor.
CONCLUSION
I rated this album five stars at first but when I averaged the songs I came up 4.3 stars so let's call Redemptiom a high four star album.
Their debut album Fear Itself is also very good so if you're looking for something totally different but not offensive this is your vehicle.
Similar Groups
Type O Negative, Marilyn Manson, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Depeche Mode, God Lives Under Water, Lacrimosa
Visit Braindance online: http://www.progressivedarkwave.com/
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