Kategorie: CD-Reviews | Genre: Progmetal | Heft: Jahrgang 2014, eclipsed Nr. 160 / 5-2014 | VÖ-Jahr: 2014 | Wertung: 7/10 | Label: Just For Kicks | Autor: MB
Not only thanks to the vocals of bandleader Clay Withrow, reminiscent of Daniel Gildenlöw, Vangough's three previous albums were considered a nice (but certainly never equal) alternative to Pain Of Salvation in the past. The purely instrumental transitional album "Game On! (2010), with its reinterpretations of melodies from Nintendo games, fell slightly from the debuts "Manikin Parade" (2009) and "Kingdom Of Ruin" (2011). With "Between The Madness" the trio from Oklahoma (supplemented by the contributions of various guest musicians) now manages the balancing act between spirit and belly. In other words, all ten titles are arranged in an entertaining way, but despite their demanding complexity and playful demands, they also groove relatively straightforwardly at times. From the progmetal monster "Vaudeville Nation" to the wonderful unplugged title song (including string passages) or the darkly orchestrated "Depths Of Blightown" there's a lot to discover here. Or, to put it as an allusion to the band name: With more than one ear, you should definitely listen here.
Top track: Alone
