Future Is Tomorrow - Fit To Die (Part 1)
Future Is Tomorrow are a progressive power metal band from Italy that perform a strain of metal that is not unlike bands such as Alestorm, Dream Theater (but much less technical), and Communic. Fit to Die (Part 1) is their full length debut, and obviously the first in a long line of albums to come. Those who know power metal know what to expect: soaring operatic vocals with the chugging guitars, what sounds to be symphonic elements, and mid paced drumming all trying to make the music seem as dramatic as possible.
The album opens up with "Dead," and the first thing listenrs will notice is the chugging guitars and simplistic drumming before the vocals come in. They aren't anything new or revolutionary but they hold to the usual standard without being too horrible. As the song progresses the drumming seems to only focus on three notes, becoming more and more monotonous. A solo will give a moment of variation, along with some spoken word passages, but aside from that expect to hear just a few riffs that may become tiring after a while. The second track sounds a bit more promising as it opens with a deep choir chant before going into a more frantic, upbeat tone with the guitar. The vocals still sound montonous and whiny, but the music on "Another Soul" has a much better solo than the first track. There's even what sounds to be some electronic influences, though the band does not state any of their members performed any electronic insturments such as samples or keyboards on the album. The choir makes its appearance to add to the variation. Tracks like "Awakening the Ghosts" are decent in the sense that the music isn't just all riffs and that there are layered vocals present; there is most definitely a synth used here. "All For You" also makes a good use of layered vocals and the choir chants amongst the guitars and solos, showcasing itself as the most interesting track on the album.
Sadly, other tracks like "Stories To Tell" and "Fit To Die" sound a little all too similar. It is like one never left the first track. The riffs are not very inspiring and the drumming sounds the same as it does on almost all the other tracks. The vocals, long and mournful, start to grow on the listener (in a bad way) in the sense that he or she probably wishes there was different tones and pitches rather than just the standard power metal operatics. "Save Us..." and "Day of Retribution" actually features some death metal grunts that come as a welcome surprise. Musically, like "All For You," there is a good mix of choir samples, guitar solos, and quiet moments where one can hear the electronics. It's blends like these that make power metal bands so intriguing; not just the simplicity that the drums and vocals have for most of the time during this album.
Those that are used to power metal will find this no stranger to their earhole. The ultimate question is how one likes their power metal. If they want variation and technicality or slow romance with heavy orchestral elements, then Fit To Die (Part 1) may not be for them. Those who are just getting into power metal or enjoy their music watered down with decent choir elements will probably find this quite enjoyable. Let us hope that Part 2 will continue to have the band's passion, but will also include more variation in the drumming and vocal sense, while keeping the choir samples that worked so well for this album.
The album opens up with "Dead," and the first thing listenrs will notice is the chugging guitars and simplistic drumming before the vocals come in. They aren't anything new or revolutionary but they hold to the usual standard without being too horrible. As the song progresses the drumming seems to only focus on three notes, becoming more and more monotonous. A solo will give a moment of variation, along with some spoken word passages, but aside from that expect to hear just a few riffs that may become tiring after a while. The second track sounds a bit more promising as it opens with a deep choir chant before going into a more frantic, upbeat tone with the guitar. The vocals still sound montonous and whiny, but the music on "Another Soul" has a much better solo than the first track. There's even what sounds to be some electronic influences, though the band does not state any of their members performed any electronic insturments such as samples or keyboards on the album. The choir makes its appearance to add to the variation. Tracks like "Awakening the Ghosts" are decent in the sense that the music isn't just all riffs and that there are layered vocals present; there is most definitely a synth used here. "All For You" also makes a good use of layered vocals and the choir chants amongst the guitars and solos, showcasing itself as the most interesting track on the album.
Sadly, other tracks like "Stories To Tell" and "Fit To Die" sound a little all too similar. It is like one never left the first track. The riffs are not very inspiring and the drumming sounds the same as it does on almost all the other tracks. The vocals, long and mournful, start to grow on the listener (in a bad way) in the sense that he or she probably wishes there was different tones and pitches rather than just the standard power metal operatics. "Save Us..." and "Day of Retribution" actually features some death metal grunts that come as a welcome surprise. Musically, like "All For You," there is a good mix of choir samples, guitar solos, and quiet moments where one can hear the electronics. It's blends like these that make power metal bands so intriguing; not just the simplicity that the drums and vocals have for most of the time during this album.
Those that are used to power metal will find this no stranger to their earhole. The ultimate question is how one likes their power metal. If they want variation and technicality or slow romance with heavy orchestral elements, then Fit To Die (Part 1) may not be for them. Those who are just getting into power metal or enjoy their music watered down with decent choir elements will probably find this quite enjoyable. Let us hope that Part 2 will continue to have the band's passion, but will also include more variation in the drumming and vocal sense, while keeping the choir samples that worked so well for this album.
Self released
Reviewer: Colin McNamara
Feb 19, 2010
Feb 19, 2010
Next review:
Tantal - The Beginning Of The End
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