by Derric Miller
— Managing Editor —
One of the greatest quotes in NFL history came in 2006, when Arizona coach Dennis Green said of the Chicago Bears, “They are who we thought they were!” Much of the same can be said of Fiction Sixx and their latest release, Ghost of My Fathers Past. In other words, expect the expected …
You step into the journey with “Bleed for Me.” Right off the bat, the guitar prowess in the band greets you. This is one of the heavier songs, and lyrically, it’s metaphysical and introspective, but the song also just rips.
“Whispers in the Dark” is a foreboding, intuitive composition, mid-tempo and in some ways it feels like Lanoue is calling to a ghost so he can help it find its way home from perchance a tragic life. The track also carries more melody than most of the others on the release.
“Innocence” slows things down, a touching, heartfelt song, and Lanoue flows damn near flawlessly. It’s a welcome change of pace.
With JK Northrup and Lanoue also on lead guitar, the abundance of talent is envious. Keyboardist Eric Ragno is no joke either, the hyper-talented dude wanted by every Hard Rock/Metal band that needs keys in a song. This all culminates in “Beyond the Shadows.” Everything clicks, even the soaring vocals from Lanoue countered with burning guitar solos. Another stellar composition.
Your journey ends with a Black Sabbath cover, “Children of the Sea.” It’s admirable and highlights one of their musical heroes, but it’s skippable after a few listens. It’s a cover …
There’s not much to critique on Ghost of My Father’s Past. The musicianship and songwriting is top-notch. It’s the kind of release you’ve come to expect from Fiction Sixx, so if you are looking for something that colors outside their lines, don’t. They are, exactly how Dennis Green described the Chicago Bears, who we thought they are.
Genre: Hard Rock, Progressive Metal
Band:
JK Northrup – Guitars, Backing Vocals, Production
Mark Lanoue – Vocals, Guitars
Larry Hart – Bass
Rory Faciane – Drums
Eric Ragno – Keys
Tracklisting:
1 Bleed for the Truth
2 Caught Up in The Moment
3 My Fathers Ghost
4 Waiting, Wondering
5 History Comes Tumbling Down
6 This Place Called Life
7 Innocence
8 Whispers in the Dark
9 Beyond the Shadows
10 Children of the Sea
Label: Independent
Online:
http://www.fictionsyxxrocks.com/
Hardrock Haven rating: 
(8.3 / 10)
