Lance King | A Moment in Chiros
by Justin Gaines
Staff Writer —
After performing on more than two dozen metal releases over the past two decades, vocalist (and Nightmare Records founder) Lance King has finally put together his first solo album, titled A Moment in Chiros. The former Balance of Power and Pyramaze front-man brought along some friends to lend a hand. Joining him are a host of progressive metal veterans (and Nightmare Records alumni), including Jacob Hansen (Beyond Twilight), Kim Olesan (Anubis Gate), Michael Harris (Darkology), Tore St. Moren (Jorn), Fred Colombo (Speric Universe Experience), Markus Sigfridsson (Darkwater), Kevin Codfert (Adagio), Michael Hansen and Shane Dhiman (Phonomik), Malek Ben Arba, Elyes Bouchoucha and Anis Jouini (Myrath), Morten Gade Sorensen (Pyramaze), and Mistheria (Bruce Dickinson).
King has been involved with progressive metal projects in the past, but given his dynamic and instantly recognizable vocal style, he’s often associated with bands and albums on the more powerful end of the spectrum. A Moment in Chiros is a progressive metal in the Dream Theater and Fates Warning tradition, though King and friends seem aware that the genre had gotten somewhat stagnant. Instead of relying on flashy guitar solos or dominant keyboards (to be sure, you get those too), equal emphasis seems to have been placed on melody, atmosphere and a cohesive energy. You can definitely hear the influence of the Anubis Gate and Myrath members in pushing the boundaries here. Like the best progressive metal albums, A Moment in Chiros is one that reveals something new to the listener each time you play it, whether that’s a riff or a melody or a solo or a vocal part. The album feels like a musical journey, which is appropriate given its subject matter.
A Moment in Chiros is a concept album dedicated to the 11:11 time prompt phenomenon, which, among other things, holds that certain numbers are recurrent throughout our lives and hold the key to many of life’s mysteries. It’s an interesting subject to be sure, and one that will require closer scrutiny of the lyrics. There are at least sections of songs that appear to address religious, social and political themes.
As to King’s vocal performance, he seems to have really challenged himself here. That he has plenty of power and a great range is well known. With this album though, we get to see just how much power and range he can bring to bear, and given the importance of the subject matter to King, the results seem very emotional and driven. Even his biggest fans may have a new appreciation for his talent after hearing A Moment in Chiros.
It’s fair to say that A Moment in Chiros is the most intricate and interesting album Lance King has ever participated in, and one that should please fans of his previous efforts. It’s one of the stronger progressive metal releases seen this year, joining albums from Leprous, Voyager, Anubis Gate, Arch-Matheos, Symphony X and Myrath in what has to be considered the best year for the genre in a very long time.
Genre: Progressive Metal
Track Listing:
111. A Sense of Urgency
222. Awakening
333. Manifest Destiny
444. A Given Choice
555. A Moment In Chiros
666. Dance of Power
777. Kibou
888. Infinity Divine
999. Joy Everlasting
10:10 Sacred Systems
11:11 Transformation
Label: Nightmare
Website: www.nightmarerecords.com
Hardrock Haven rating: 8.75/10