James LaBrie – Elements of Persuasion (2005)
When it comes to “ballsy” progressive metal vocals, no-one does it better than James LaBrie (Dream Theater vocalist). This album is his second solo release, and first under his own name. With this release he collaborated with the best of the best in metal. It features the legendary Marco Sfogli on guitar, Matt Guillory on keyboards and additional guitars, Mike Mangini on drums and Bryan Beller on bass. From start to finish, this album is heavy, driving and energetic. Sfogli has his guitar tuned to drop C and B for the majority of the album; haunting string and piano pads add an extra dimension to the sound, and the courageous orchestration of electronic elements puts this album in a genre of it’s own.
The opening track is, “Crucify”, one of the more death metal-Esk songs on the album. The verses see James exploring a more growled inflection to his voice, and in the chorus he shows off his extreme vocal range, which he is known for, hitting several high D’s. Sfogli takes a blistering guitar solo before James takes it out with a few more choruses. The lyrics for this song, as well as “Alone” and “Lost” were written by Matt Guillory. All other titles on the record featured lyrics by LaBrie. A great opening song.
“Alone” continues on in the same way as “Crucify”, maintaining the aggressive energy with a driving chorus, and great lyrics. This song brings forward for the first time on the album the use of electronic influences, and a DJ turntable. James shows off his very clean mid-high register voice in the chorus, and contrasts it nicely with once again, a harsher, growlier vocal timbre in the verses. “Freak”, and “Invisible” continue in the same vein as “Crucify” and “Alone”.
The song “Lost” brings some release to the tension. The crunchy, distorted guitar has been substituted by keyboard pads and soaring piano counter-melodies. Lyrically, this song is not very strong. However, musically, it’s a great example of simple dynamic songwriting.
“Undecided” (as well as “Invisible”) speak of James’ doubts, and ultimate rejection of organised religion. This song is lyrically heavy, and musically as well. The crunchy guitar riffs, keyboard string pads and synthesiser sounds fill out the sound beautifully. This song introduces the first use of progressive metal style unison lines during the instrumental section.
“Smashed” sees another soft point in the record, showcasing James’ lower register, and piano orchestrations (probably not LaBrie’s, but Guillory’s!). It opens with piano, bass, and drums playing a sort-of “jungle-drum-and-bass” style part, which continues on into the verses. In the chorus, Mangini changes gears, and returns to familiar territory laying down a solid rock beat.
“Pretender” is another one of those “balls-to-the-wall” type songs! Vocally, LaBrie is up in the stratosphere the entire time, and the energy never subsides. Sfogli’s distorted guitar is very prominent, and integral part of this song, laying down some chunky riffs. As usual, the guitar solo is incredibly melodic and driving. The conclusion of the solo leads LaBrie very nicely into the bridge, which is still up in the sky!
“Slightly Out Of Reach” is a more pop-rock focussed song in many ways. The vocal melodies in this song are beautifully crafted, and seamlessly flowing. The unbelievably melodic and driving guitar solo by Sfogli takes this song to a whole new level.
“Oblivious” returns once again to the powerful, energetic home-base that is “Elements of Persuasion”. The verses, and particularly the pre-choruses, somewhat unconventionally have a lot of lyrics that move along in quick succession. LaBrie contrasts this orchestration with a very simple chorus that is four words in total.
“In Too Deep” opens with more electronic effects, before breaking into perhaps the heaviest metal section on the entire album. This is only lifted further with the addition of LaBrie’s haunting vocal melodies. In the second verse, LaBrie once again shows off his well-grounded high register passaggio. This is also the only song to include any form of profanity on the release. This song closes off with a very eerie and haunting piano and guitar duo.
“Drained”, being the final song on the album, must close it off the same way it opened: “ballsy”! The lyrics for this song are well crafted and evocative. James closes off the song, and the album with a bang, putting all his effort into the final vocal lines of the outro, showing off his unique style of vibrato in a very effective, and musically building way.
Out of all of James LaBrie‘s solo albums to date, this is by far my favourite. This album is the perfect representation of what LaBrie’s style of singing is all about. I highly recommend this album to anyone that is interested in progressive metal, and operatic metal vocals. This album is for you. Also, to any aspiring guitarists, this is one of the best resources for developing a melodic solo sense within rock and metal genres. I can’t recommend this album enough.
I gave this album a 9 out of 10. Unbelievable!
If you liked this review, please check out my review on James LaBrie’s sequel solo album, “Static Impulse” here.
If you wish to purchase this album, you can find it here:
Elements of Persuasion
