Caffery, Chris - W.A.R.P.E.D.


Year of Release: 2004
Label: Black Lotus Records
Catalog Number: BLRCD092
Format: CD
Total Time: 72:37:00

Evaluation:

The libretto outlines a scenario of war and the fragile existence of our maladjusted earth. In spite of the timeliness of the subject matter, the glib religious generalizations and proto-evolutionary rhetoric stultify the concept, re-affirming the notion that pontificating about weighty subject matter should not be done by musicians?

Analysis:

W.A.R.P.E.D offers a slightly progressive take on fairly pedestrian heavy metal. The rhythm section though, is extremely tight, and the guitar-work (executed by the multi-talented Chris Caffery) is dry and present, ratcheting the heaviness up a notch or two through simplistic yet dynamic riffing. Solos, while not virtuosic, are lean and muscular, thankfully devoid of unnecessarily histrionic displays.

Mr Caffery's gravel-throated approach (reminiscent of Devin Townsend's work on Steve Vai's Sex And Religion disc) lends an aggressive edge to the songs, and his ability to vary dynamic tension through interesting harmonies ("Saddamize") and clean singing adds to the overall impact.

The music is well-written if not particularly unique. Guest musicians (Jon Oliva, vocals, from Savatage and Brian Gregory from Dr Butcher on bass on "Iraq Attack") lend heavy-weight support to the proceedings, but the occasionally vapid lyrics and hackneyed concept emasculate somewhat?

Rating: 4-/5. The minus is for the truly narcissistic insert photo of Mr Caffery in camouflage body paint (er, nice rack?)

[ W.A.R.P.E.D. is the expanded version of the 6-track bonus disc included with his previous release Faces -ed.

Summary:

Excellent driving music. Succinctly pugilistic and terse. Exactly what metal ought to be.


Tracklisting:
Home Is Where The Hell Is (7:00) / God Damn War (6:34) / Election Day (2:33) / Erase (5:40) / Fool, Fool! (2:57) / Edge Of Darkness (4:10) / Saddamize (7:37) / 'I' (4:31) / W.A.R.P.E.D. (3:37) / Iraq Attack (5:25) / Fright Knights () / The State Of The Head (5:34) / Piece Be With You (5:54) / Beat Me, You'll Never Beat Me!!! (6:00) / Curtains (3:12)



Musicians:
Chris Caffery - vocals and guitars
Dave Z - bass
Paul Morris - piano and keyboards
Jeff Plate - drums and percussion

Guests:

Jon Oliva - lead vocals (9)
Brian Gregory - bass (9)

Discography:
Faces (2004)
W.A.R.P.E.D. (2005)

Genre: Progressive-Power Metal

Origin US

Added: October 30th 2005
Reviewer: Jan-Mikael Erakare
Score:
Artist website: www.chriscaffery.com
Hits: 3085
Language: english

  

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