James LaBrie - Impermanent Resonance (Album Review)
Friday, 09 August 2013
Written by Jonathan Lin
As vocalist of prog-metal giants Dream Theater, James Labrie has often been a source of conflict for fans. A quick glance at YouTube clips of the band's live performances reveals numerous threads of debate over his style and position as the band’s frontman.
‘Impermanent Resonance’ is the third full-length album of LaBrie's solo career, which so far has garnered a much more balanced reaction from its listeners, and first and foremost, it deserves praise for demonstrating his vocal range. Labrie works well with his bandmates - including guitarist Marco Sfogli, who rips out crunchy riffs and fiery solos that really put a sharp, modern edge on proceedings.
Back On The Ground is a true highlight, a hard-hitting ballad that allows LaBrie to hit and sustain high notes that draw shivers. In fact, the clean vocals in general are a delight. The chorus of Letting Go and verses of Destined To Burn and Holding On show what LaBrie is still capable of doing after two decades.
But, the other half of the record’s vocal range is not so pretty. So much of the album is devoted to packing the same punch that many contemporary metal albums aim for. Blastbeats and barked screams add a forceful kick at times, with the influence of Soilwork’s Peter Wichers and drummer Peter Wildoer apparent, but quickly become one-paced, leaving certain tracks unmemorable.
Undertow, Lost in the Fire and I Will Not Break are not far off being indistinguishable from one another, abandoning any prog influences for more traditional territory. Several tracks that could have been melodic highlights are reduced to also-rans.
‘Impermanent Resonance’ is a solid solo effort and definitely has its moments that are worth revisiting. Given the space to explore his songwriting, LaBrie has been able to deliver a few hard-hitting tracks that fans of Dream Theater will enjoy. But incorporating a harsher sound – while undoubtedly stimulating for certain listeners – seems forced and a bit of a stretch for him.
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