PERRIS RECORDS: REVIEWS

VICIOUS RUMORS - SADISTIC SYMPHONY (A-) Perris Records, 2001
11 tracks, RT: 52:18
[ http://www.viciousrumors.com ]
I've been wanting to review this for quite some time now, and as I've gotten my hands on the actual deal--to replace a copy of the demo sent by the band months back--I feel fully qualified. See my (future? in the event I cannot get in touch with the band for detail in time) column, PauerKordes, for more in depth information on Vicious Rumors and my involvement in this project specifically, but realize that you may consider me somewhat biased in this review. (In short, I generated the layout, graphics and logo design for the inserts.) For those of you familiar with Vicious Rumors, you know that their last--and
arguably last two--discs represented an extreme departure from their traditionally melodic metal sound, and some of that can be attributed to the frustration and sense of loss they felt with the untimely death in 1995 of friend, "brother" and lead vocalist, Carl Albert, and maybe some to the direction popular hard rock had been taking at the time. In contrast, SADISTIC SYMPHONY represents a new beginning in a new millennium for Geoff Thorpe's merry minstrels, as well as a reflection
upon their storied past. (Note: There are clips of all the songs at their Web site, and I highly recommend you listen if possible before buying if you cannot deal with *ANY* detour whatsoever from the sound/direction of the self-titled, 1990 release.) This album sees Geoff selecting an entirely new group of artists to pick up the baton that has kinda laid on the cinder since Carl was forced to let it go these six years hence, and perhaps they've switched over a lane or two in the race, but at least they're back on the same track and heading in the same direction. Throughout the CD, you will hear unmistakeably
signature aspects of the VR sound of times past. The percussion for all but one track on the disc is handled by Atma Anur, seasoned session drummer for many an old Shrapnel Records release, and he delivers nothing less than we'd expect from a man of his obvious talent. Tempos range from blistering adrenaline rush--see "Puritan Demons," "Liquify" or even "Elevator To Hell," each of which might remind you of "Hellraiser" or "You Only Live Twice"--to melancholy epic power ballad--see "Blacklight," which is a totally new vibe for VR--with a few steps in between. There's only one word for the furious bass played on SADISTIC SYMPHONY: Cornbread... Ira Black is the new co-lead guitarist creating a real profile for himself in a position that takes a lot to fill after the exit of Mark McGee (Gregg Allman Band; and actually, Mark does lend his talents to several tracks on S.S.) and Steve Smythe (Testament). Mr. Thorpe is here as he has been since the beginning of time, tearing up the fretboard and composing some of the coolest metal ever written with the help of his cohorts. One of the most important considerations to fans of this band would likely be quoted as, "quit skirting the issue, you zany bastard! Who's
behind the damn microphone?!??!!" Well, vocal duties are being handled by, and a great deal of inspiration is coming from, one Morgan Thorn, who's actually been working with the band in a ghost capacity since before SOMETHING BURNING was recorded. (See my column for more.) Morgan has a truly unique voice, in my experience. He has perhaps more
"texture" and character than I've heard in anyone still retaining melody. He can be very aggressive if he wants, and he displays that ability in places on this album. Don't worry, though, it's mostly singing (thank GAWD!). The vocal arrangements here are generally very cool, and well composed, which in my opinion is a great deal more desirable than the boldface aggression that was employed on the previous two discs. You will find yourself singing along to several of the choruses. There are tons of guitar riff hooks throughout as well...the kind that make it just about impossible to avoid gritting your teeth and headbanging. Highlights for me on SADISTIC SYMPHONY are: opener "Break," which contains an upper-midtempo groove that is
infectious as hell and splats right into a fantastic vocal harmony as the chorus builds (exemplifying what it is that I like about the addition of Morgan to the band), after which it releases you back into a galloping riff; "March Of The Damned;" "Neodymium Man" (Morgan's theme song?); and lately, the title track and even the oddly haunting and epic "Blacklight." Fans of Vicious Rumors who liked SOMETHING BURNING and CYBERCHRIST will most likely enjoy this disc. Those who were disappointed by the change in direction and tone of the two aforementioned are most likely going to be split over this release; some will *LOVE* it and hail it as a return to form and others may call it a continued sell-out. Be aware that for some of these it can also be identified as "a grower." People previously unaware of the band and/or who have only been listening to "European-styled" power metal owe it to themselves to give this a listen because it kicks ass... 'Nuff said.
- Paul Lackey
-Detritus #109 Detritus Rock/Metal e-zine