Review: James Labrie – Impermanent Resonance
Artist: James Labrie
Album: Impermanent Resonance
Rating: 10/10
If you like your rock to feel operatic, epic and truly hit home it’s no secret that Dream Theater are the best at what they do. The driving vocal force behind the band, James Labrie, is getting ready to release a new solo album titled “Impermanent Resonance” and it will not disappoint. With tracks like the first single and opener, “Agony” which start off almost thrash-like and then explode into a symphony of sound to tracks like “Destined to Burn” which is more of a melodic soft-rock epic, this album has something for fans of all ages. The thing that surprised me is that I’ve been a Dream Theater/Labrie fan for years and never heard anyone scream with him until this album. Pete Wildoer’s screams are otherworldly, keeping an original sound and bringing more power to the band. “Impermanent Resonance” is an album that you will find yourself loving at times, singing and screaming to the top of your lungs. Other times, you will hate it for how emotional it makes you. For any Dream Theater fans out there, you will already know that when Labrie writes a lyric, he makes sure that the listener can feel every word. That remains true with every track on “Impermanent Resonance”
Lyrical Content: The lyrics on this album are probably some of the most matured, well-written lyrics I’ve seen him do in his solo career. Some are reminiscent of Dream Theater, while others are clearly his unique and original blend. Labrie has always been a master lyricist but this album takes it to a whole new level. What may SEEM like a simple song musically, lyrically takes you on a journey you won’t soon forget. I’ll leave the link to the lyric video for “Back On The Ground” below for you to check out.
Song Structure and Instrumentation: The band has found a way to keep things as simple as they can without going into Dream Theater territory, but still keep it technical. The solos are flashy and amazing, you feel every beat of the drums, every hum of the bass line and, as I’ve mentioned several times, Labrie’s legendary vocal skills.
Overall: In the beginning, I enjoyed the album and it had a lot of stay power with me. However, when I found myself listening to it a 2nd time, a 3rd and past that..I loved it more and more. This album is truly something to be proud of for Labrie and his band. It will please Dream Theater fans, Labrie fans and fans of rock in it’s many forms. “Impermanent Resonance” is an album you do not want to miss out on! Pick it up when it hits stores on August 6th and get lost in a symphony of sound!
“Impermanent Resonance” Pre-orders
