Tetrafusion Altered State
by Marc C.
Staff Writer
Any time an instrumental act adds vocals the outcome is usually like a fork in the road, either you make the wrong turn or you head onto a blissful path thankful the right turn was made. Unfortunately and in most cases a band will fall on its face as they’ve ventured outside its established comfort zone. Yet, Tetrafusion is not one of those bands.
While there is no doubt the musicianship is top notch, better then most new releases that have come down the pike in years, their song structures are light years beyond what most bands can even comprehend. The common comparison to Dream Theater not withstanding there’s a little something here for everyone. Think if the Dixie Dregs, Radiohead, Muse, Frank Zappa and of course Dream Theater had a baby and named it Tetrafusion and that should give you an idea for what you’re in for.
Although they have a tendency to wander through a song as if they’ve suddenly lost their bearings they find a way, albeit long after is necessary, to land squarely back on solid ground.
From a compositional standpoint there’s a lot left to be desired; however their technical ability is astounding for such a young group. Eventually they will find their way and when they do watch out because they will simply kick your ass at every turn.
If there was a damning condemnation to be made it would lie squarely with the vocals and at times song lengths, but overall a great first effort out of their comfy instrumental box.
Lastly and what certainly should be mentioned is the superb production throughout. Clear, crisp and concise mixing is what has made this album such an easy listen. Every note and drum strike is heard as if the listener has an ear on each individual string & drum head. This is a Prog fan’s wet dream come to life!
All in all a terrific effort and Altered State is a clear indication greater things from this band are on the horizon.
Genre: Prog Metal (and not even a fair definition at that)
Band:
Gary Tubbs – Lead Vocals, Keyboards, Synths
Brooks Tarkington – Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Vocals
Mark Michell – 7 String Bass, Fretless Bass
J.C. Bryant – Drums and Percussion
Track Listing:
1. Collage of the Present
2. Monologue
3. Last Chance
4. The Deserter
5. Altered State
6. Shadows
7. Tears of the Past
Label: Nightmare Records
Websites:
www.tetrafusion.net
www.myspace.com/tetrafusion
www.facebook.com/tetrafusion
www.twitter.com/tetrafusion
Hardrock Haven rating 8/10