Renaissance of Fools – Fear, Hope & Frustration 2012

NOW!

Swedish progressive metallers Renaissance Of Fools are about to release their debut album entitled Faith, Hope & Frustration. The CD title is appropriate, as the listener will undoubtedly experience all three of those feelings while playing it.

Founded by guitarist/composer Daniel Magdic (Pain of Salvation) and drummer Magnus Karlsson (ex-Leech & Machina – not to be confused with Primal Fear’s guitarist of the same name) and later bolstered by bassist BjörnTauman and guitarist/vocalist Kjell Bergendahl; Renaissance Of Fools is looking to enter the crowded progressive metal scene. They hope to stand out by mixing in some heavier elements along with some lighter meditative aspects, thus broadening the range of the genre.

The songwriting is solid throughout the release, and the musicianship is top-notch, but the overall musical tone is dark, heavy and a bit depressing. Kjell Sjostrom is a solid singer, but at times he seems to follow the overall tone of the album and comes across as somewhat disinterested or bored. He does have many fine moments, perhaps the strongest being the intense and varied “Misguided Mind”. Sjostrom’s guitar works well with the vast talents of primary guitarist Daniel Magdic, who loves laying down thick and heavy riffs and well as brilliant solos. The bottom end and backbone of Renaissance Of Fools is provided by standout bassist Bjorn Tauman and fine drummer Magnus Karlsson. These two make a fine team and really hold the album together whether playing at full steam or tiptoeing through a more ballad-like piece.

The musical highlight of the album is undoubtedly “Ordinary Man’s Diary”. Great vocals, strong lyrics and excellent musicianship fill this track from end to end, and show the true potential of the band. The outro of the song does drag on a bit, and the band sometimes seem to get stuck in a rut that has them repeating the same musical phrasings for a protracted period. A number of the songs seem to plod a bit as a result. This occasional flaw compounds the overall depressing and moody tone of the album will eventually wear down most listeners. The band does produce a nice mix of melodies and harmonies, with occasional flickers of lightness, but the overall album is simply dark and brooding. “Leave It All Behind” is a second standout track due to the good vocal harmonies and expressive bass work.

This is not a bad album by any means, but there is so little variety in tone and performance that it seems monotonous and overly long. Each song by itself is very good, but the “sameness” of sound and delivery do little to differentiate one track from another and make the band seem like the proverbial “one trick pony”. Renaissance Of Fools is a young band, and there is hope that they will grow a little and add more energy and lightness to their music – they have the raw tools…

Fear, Hope & Frustration is indeed apt. After listening to the first few tracks the listener will fear that the entire album will be bleak and moody, but hope that the groove will change up a bit due to the obvious musical talent and excellent production values. Ultimately they will be frustrated because it doesn’t.

Genre: Progressive Metal

Band:
Daniel Magdic (Lead Guitar, Vocals)
Magnus Karlsson (Drums)
Bjorn Tauman (Bass, Vocals)
Kjell Sjostrom (Guitar, Lead Vocals)

Track Listing:
1. Precious Life
2. Misguided Mind
3. Ordinary Mans Diary
4. Polarized Round
5. Leave It All Behind
6. Claws Of Norms
7. Sleep
8. The Child That Used To Play
9. The Chains Of Thought
10. Intervention Part I & II

Label: Metalville Records

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