CD: Ruins
Date: 12.06.03
Reviewer: Tyrant
Review:
Definitely not my normal fare when it comes to the Metal I listen to. However, I have to say I have been hooked on this CD since I recieved it. There is really no way to place L.I.E. in a specific genre. I can hear influences from all over the vast Metal map.
The guitars are THICK. Thick, but not muddy in any way. I love the guitars on this. Being a guitarist, I can tell they use drop D tuning, but they are smart enough to utilize this tuning in a way that doesn't constitute "cheating" (Too many bands that use this tuning do so to make it so they can fret chords with one finger, making the playing style extremely simplistic and dumbed down. Just listen to most Nu-Metal bands for evidence of this.). Tim's (L.I.E.'s guitarist) finger's are definitely busy all the time. VERY intelligent. It's nice to hear a band using this tuning to actually make the guitars heavier. I also hear a massive Zakk Wylde influence here. Sounds like Zakk is playing on this, to be honest. The leads are tasty, and the rhythm riffs throughout the CD are peppered with Zakk's pinch harmonics.
Vocally this is one of the more unusual bands I have heard in a while. Not a scream to be heard. Not one harsh vocal anywhere, except on track 6 ("Absolution"). On that song, Tim uses a scream / growl more in line with Black Metal or Swedish Death Metal, than the music presented. However, that voice is only used for a short period, and for effect only. So in that respect, not only is it a nice surprise, but it works well. On the other 5 songs, Tim maintains an extremely clean singing style, with lots of clear and well done harmonies throughout. If you can imagine a cross between Maynard James Keenan (Tool), a mid-register Mike Patton (Faith No More) and Layne Staley's (Alice in Chains) clean style, you have Tim Lyons. Tim's is a voice that is very warm, and puts across the emotion the lyrics call for without resorting to screaming or off key bawling (i.e. Deftones and Nirvana). You can tell the man knows HOW to sing. And that is a refreshing change, to be sure.
The rhythm section of L.I.E. is one that knows how to BE a rhythm section, being the glue that holds it all together. Tim pulls triple duty on this CD as bassist, vocalist and guitarist, and as a bassist, he does a great job. Tim is an intensely talented guy, able to wear a multitude of hats. His bass lines lock in with Adam Crain's drums, making it that much thicker, and a joy to listen to. They keep the tempo at a slow to mid pace, leading me to believe there are more than a few Hardcore bands that these guys listen to.
As a whole, this CD is indicative of a band that covers a wide range of styles seamlessly. Heavy, melodic, lyrically thought provoking, but most of all unashamedly Metal in their delivery. The production on "Ruins" is gorgeous, making it easy to crank up and get lost in. My only complaint is that at 6 songs, most in the three and a half to four minute range, it is way too short. Which in a way makes this the perfect CD. It leaves me wanting more.
Overall, L.I.E. is a band to keep an eye out for. While they aren't of the same genetic makeup as bands in the Nu-Metal realm or whatever genre happens to be this month's flavor, they are quite capable of standing alongside of those bands, and they could be very, very big. L.I.E. is highly deserving of a multi album contract on a major label. I believe in them fully, as being a band that could surpass any band on current "Modern Rock" radio. They stand apart from the bands that are trying to be the next Pantera, Korn, Slipknot, etc with a sound that is all their own, and fresh. Very impressive. Very.
Tyrant
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