Circle of Fate Back to Life
by Ken Mac Vicar
Staff Writer
The Chicago based band, Circle of Fate was officially formed 10 years ago and Back to Life is the band’s fourth release and first since 2006. The and is currently comprised of Michel Caruso on lead vocals, Danny Charatin on lead guitar, & vocals, Dan Thompson, bass & vocals and Ethon Burns on drums/ percussion .The band’s bio lists a wide range of influences which are evident throughout this disc. These influences include Pat Benetar, Joan Jett, Heart, Dream Theater, Journey, Joe Satriani, Iron Maiden, Porcupine Tree, Steve Vai, Nickelback and Prince just to name just a few.
Back to Life can best be described as a metal record with great power pop sensibilities. It is chock full of catchy melodies and big hooks all anchored by a killer rhythm section. Produced by Larry Sturm, who has worked with such diverse artists as Destiny’s Child, Mary J. Blige and Disturbed, the album is full of catchy melodies and hooks without sacrificing any of its harder edges. And while Caruso’s voice may be the star of the proceedings, it is certainly not the whole story. Overall, the band is tight, seamlessly transitioning from hard, metallic riffing to melodic choruses and killer instrumental work. In particular, their ability to change tempo within a song keeps the listener anticipating their next move.
Speaking of Caruso’s voice, it’s inevitable that most female rockers will be compared to Pat Benatar at some point in their career simply because of their gender. However in the case of Michel Caruso, it’s a case of legitimate praise, as her vocal style and range actually sound quite a bit like the woman who helped legitimatize the female role in hard rock. In particular, “Skeletons” and “Unshattered” would feel right at home on Crimes of Passion. Michel however is far from a Pat Benatar clone as she makes every song on the album her own, be it the through raw emotion of “You Broke my Heart” or the attitude displayed on “What If.”
The album opens with” Sanctity,” a high energy modern rocker that is highlighted by Michel’s moody and understated vocals. The middle of the track breaks nicely into some instrumental and vocal interplay before diving back into the main verse with a killer riff. The vocal effects are particularly effective and really lift the track beyond the ordinary. The album really kicks into high gear with the power pop of “Skeletons,” a great up tempo rocker that combines the melody of a great pop song with some heavy riffs. It’s carried along by some fine bass work and a killer post chorus. If you’re not singing along and playing air guitar after the second listen, then relegate yourself to listening to Mariah Carey.
The band follows this up with the 1st single off the album, “My Religion” which opens with some Maiden like guitar work laid under Michel’s pop like vocals (think Missing Persons on steroids). The track quickly builds momentum around the work of the rhythm section into a full blown rocker, highlighted by a driving guitar riff The light weight vocal and guitar approach of the into belay some of the dark nature of the lyrics.
“What If” is all attitude, opening with Michel’s snarling vocals and driven by a latter day Motley like riff. Michel brings her vocals down an octave to really match the intensity of the driving instrumental track before cranking it up during the chorus, which uses a great tempo change that highlights the abilities of the band as a whole. This punkish track is countered by the raw emotion of “You Broke My Heart” with Michel displaying total vulnerability in her vocal performance without a hint of schmaltz or sappiness. Only great singers can convey anger and vulnerability in the same song without it sounding contrived and Michel does it with ease.
The opening of “Unshattered” comes closest to falling victim to love song cliché; however that danger is crushed with the count of 2, 3, 4 as the song morphs into a killer bluesy based riff that is one of the highlights of the album. It’s a down and dirty mid tempo riff that just pulls the listener in. The chorus is followed by some great instrumental work that eschews the normal solo in favor of ome great instrumental work by the entire band.
“Your Gone” starts out with an almost Rush like feel, great bass work with some excellent drum fills before exploding in to another big riff. The song uses some electronic play on the vocals to create an almost ethereal feel to the pre-chorus. Michel ‘s your gone be gone is a statement for all modern women, no longer lamenting lost love, but dealing with reality. The song contains some of the best solo work on the album, matching the vocal intensity note for note. “Pour Me A Drink” is almost like a breather in the proceedings, and while a solid track it’s missing some of the elements that make the prior tracks so strong. “Fill the Void” puts the band back on solid ground, and it a longer tune that evolves constantly over its five minute plus running time. While opening with some light vocals and intricate guitar work, it’s a song you can feel waiting to erupt. And erupt it does into a song built around a driving riff and a chorus that allows her to expand her vocal range and style. The post chorus features some excellent vocal work with Michel and the band playing off each other over some subdued guitar fingereing The album closes with the quick hitter.
“It’s All Bout You,” an almost Melissa Etheridge inspired track that contains the melody of country, the attitude of punk and a riff that’s all metal. An eclectic mix that in the hands of lesser performers could be a disaster, instead it closes the album in fine fashion.
Label: Independent
Track Listing;
1) Sanctify
2) Skeletons
3) My Religion
4) What If
5) Broke my Heart
6) Unshattered
7) Your Gone
8 Pour Me a Drink
9) Fill The Void
10) It’s All About you
HRH Rating: 9/10