“Chemical Faith” is a concept album
about Christiane F. and her problems with life and especially drugs like
heroin. It’s quite a story! A book and movie have already been made
about it. Well this is the music about here story. Now all 3 major mediums
are covered! The first full-length album from Neverdream
is entitled “Chemical Faith” and is comprised of progressive
metal from Italy. I’ve always thought concept albums and progressive
music go well together. Nice match up! One thing as you listen, whether
it’s a heavy or melodic part, their music seems to be a passionate.
It’s a nice aura to feel. Incorporated into their music are a few
traits akin to some well known metal bands. Neverdream varies from sounding
like Dream Theater, Queensryche, My Dying Bride, and Anathema. “Chemical
Faith” has a doomy rock vibe at times like Anathema. In the slow-pace
heavy riffs even some of the more aggressive guitars they reminds me of
My Dying Bride. The tone of the heavier guitars does as well. It has a similar
raw sound; almost too raw at times compared to the rest of the composition.
The music is similarly constructed to Dream Theater and Queensryche. When
Neverdream uses multiple layers of music to form their composition it puts
off a Dream Theater type resonance. Pulling that off shows these guys work
pretty well together. Passionate solos too. Vocals aren’t amazing,
but definitely satisfactory for this band. They are somewhat unique as no
one really popped into my head for reference. He has a few tendencies in
his vocals that remind me of Geoff Tate or Make Patton, but nothing to really
say like he sound like either. A little bit of an electronic touch to the
music, it’s not used all the time, more to set a mood. It’s
more or less industrial/techno atmospheres at time. Keys are similar style,
to Derek Sherenian, but more of a poor man’s version. He pretty much
adds atmosphere, and has a few appreciable solos. Also a bit of Saxophone
is put in this disc, and is featured in the song “Sogni” pretty
much as the lead instrument. It’s also used proficiently in “Zoologischer
Garten (Hell’s Gate).” Overall there are nine tracks over fifty-two
minutes on “Chemical Faith.” A little more writing and we may
have something here.
Rating: 73
Reviewed By: Jeffrey D. Adkins |
