Comments:
RELAPSED?! Well, the cover photo pretty much cleared the name, but
why not continue under their name C.I.T.A or GUILD OF AGES? With the
return of founding members Joe and Rob Marone, one would expect a
revival of the CAUGHT IN THE ACT name and style. Likely they decided
to start with a clean sheet; but be prepared for a melodic rock overdose
bearing the C.I.T.A./GUILD OF AGES mark of quality and enthusiams!
Into
a former State is sounding more like a blend Guild of Ages and
its illustrious predecessor than any other act ever could (how obvious!).
Fueled mega melodic rock with awesome melodies, shredding guitars
and awesome vocals. All the ingredients are their and on top we find
an inspired act which sets the record straight in a more blunt rocking
way.
The
production is far heavier than any of its predecessors, as is the
material. The songs are still as catchy as ever, but the guitars are
louder, more excessive and upfront in the mix. Aside that, Relapsed
added a slightly more modern ingredient occasionally. Distorted vocals
in "Undone" and a voice over in the mid section (after a
blistering guitar solo!). The Vai-ish guitar solo in "The Other
Side", slowly waving into an acoustic interlude to boost the
refrain once again. The forced vocals in "End of the Line"
that are over the top, yet fit the pattern of the song in an odd way.
"Mercy Pays the Depth" is inspired, mega melodic as in the
old days, yet it has a certain up to date feel to it, which is hard
to explain.
No,
Into a Former State marks the return of the giant, with their
mega melodic hooklines. Just check out the amazing "Welcome to
My Life", the finger licking sweet "All in All" with
it's sugar coated choirs and the hoarse vocals of Martinez, "Broken"
or the full shred "Generation". It is all simply amazingly
well arranged and sticky without falling into clichés all to
much. "I Want It All" (Queen) however is something they
could have left off. Not doing justice to the original, nor does it
add up for this awesome band, even though the arpeggios are flying
all over the place. Mesa's guitar work uplifts this high class release
as it is, being a sweet topping on a sugar sweet cake, with a highlight
in the instrumental "Alex" opening for the amazing mega
ballad "Everyday". "Somewhere We Belong"
again goes straight ahead sprouting it's power and passion and ear
mingling choirs and melodies.
Front
to back, Into a Former State revives the band and does justice
to the reunion after disbanding themselves in 2001. The enthusiasm
is amazing, and the songs are all top notch. Though the production
is hard rocking and edgy, it also has some flaws with it's live feeling
presented. It however also reflects the band as they are best: live
and on stage!
After
changing their name from C.I.T.A. into GUILD OF AGES, the band pretty
much lost some attention due to their more frontal rocking attitude.
With RELAPSED the band somehow twisted the melodic hooks and harmonies
from their CITA days into a state of hard rocking GOA perfection explaining
the title. It is a crossover from the best of both worlds with adding
a little fuel to the fire and bringing themselves up to date with
the reigning nu sounds of rock. Front to back, Into a Former
State
revives the band and does justice to the reunion after disbanding
themselves in 2001.
www.mtm-music.com
HRH
Rating: 8.2/10
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