Tears Unravelling Travesties
by Justin Gaines
Staff Writer
Unravelling Travesties is the debut full-length album from Los Angeles-based (by way of Athens and London) progressive metal band Tears. Tears first caught our attention last year with their EP Memories of Things Unnecessary. It was immediately evident that this was a band that was progressive in every sense of the word, pushing at the boundaries and exploring just what was capable in the genre, and not just adding keys to the basic power metal formula or aping Dream Theater. Tears has a unique sound that is at times reminiscent of Voyager, Borknagar, Age of Silence, Pain of Salvation and even Porcupine Tree to some extent.
Unravelling Travesties is not an album that’s easy to get into. There is so much going on that you need multiple listens – preferably with a good set of noise-cancelling headphones and time to really digest the lyrics – to really appreciate it. It’s so worth the effort though. The album can go from the abrasive, aggressive (vocally and lyrically) opener “Lame” to the moving and melodic “I’ll Change It All,” with its gorgeous piano elements and lush vocals or “”I Promise You,” which features flute, violin, cello and some absolutely beautiful female vocals by Jaylee Small.
The rest of the album is largely devoted to a trio of multi-part “suites.” Two of them – “Time Master” and “Things Imaginary” – were featured, at least in part, on Memories of Things Unnecessary, and hearing them in the larger context of the album is a real eye-opener. These suites, as well as the closing “Self Destruction” trilogy really showcase what Tears is capable of. The technicality of the musicianship, the way these songs are arranged, the thought-provoking or highly emotional lyrical content, and of course the vocals.
Singer/guitarist/bassist/keyboardist/songwriter/producer Gouaime Divanis sounds a lot like Vintersorg, with a deep and harmonious voice and a terrific range, even pulling off a capable death metal growl when necessary.
Beyond the music, Unravelling Travesties boasts well-placed and very compelling voice acting on the already dramatic “I Can’t Forgive What You Both Have Done,” a first rate mastering and production job courtesy of Jens Bogren (Opeth, James LaBrie, Katatonia) and Divanis, respectively, and stunning cover and interior artwork by Seth Siro Anton that’s worthy of Travis Smith or Dave McKean.
Unravelling Travesties is an absolute delight for fans of truly progressive music and an early contender for the year’s best progressive metal album. If you’re a fan of forward-thinking, emotionally-stimulating and intellectually-challenging music, you owe it to yourself to experience Tears.
Genre: Progressive Metal
Band:
Gouaime Divanis (v) (g) (b) (k)
Tassos Deligiannis (d)
Track Listing:
1. Lame
2. I’ll Change It All
3. Time Master – Memories
4. Time Master – I Just Want to Forget
5. I Promise You
6. I Can’t Forgive What You Have Both Done
7. Emptiness
8. Things Imaginary – A Childhood Dream
9. Things Imaginary – My Hurtful Reality
10. Self Destruction – Part I
11. Self Destruction – Part II
12. Self Destruction – Part III
13. When Fingers Fail It’s All From the Heart (bonus)
Label: Independent
Website: www.tearsband.com
Hardrock Haven rating: 9.25/10