Customer Reviews

The Alchemy Index, Vols. 1 & 2: Fire & Water

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(9)

 

 

So, I have been listening to Thrice since "The Illusion of Safety" (2003) and I have had the privilege of watching this band progress to where they are today. I am not sure what the overall view of "Vhiessu" was, but I enjoyed it immensely and I found it quite refreshing that Thrice was willing to change their sound and become a TRUE progressive rock band.

When I heard about this project, The Alchemy Index, I was not sure how Dustin and the gang would manage to incorporate the elements, but I must say, these first two volumes are fantastic.

I will start off with "Volume 1: Fire"

Each track is fast-paced and it is a sort of "time-travel" experience. In that, I mean, the blaring guitars, the quickness of percussion and Dustin's voice; you would think you were listening to early Thrice. Each song on the first volume paints the picture of fire really well and I must say it is my favorite of the two volumes. My favorite track is "Burn the Fleet" but all six tracks are amazing.

Next we have "Volume 2: Water"

Again, Dustin and company does a great job at creating the mood of being out to sea. Each song is free-flowing, much like the element of water. The songs are calm and soothing like the open ocean and you feel like you are out in the Atlantic stranded and waiting for help. It is just an amazing piece of art, it really is. For those who like comparisons, this volume is closer to what "Vheissu" was.

This was a fantastic effort put forth by Thrice and they have outdone themselves. They have set the standard for beautiful music yet again. I'm excited for the following two volumes that come out in the spring. I am confident that Thrice will once again, set the bar EVEN higher.

This album is the direction Thrice needed to head, with the talent they have, weather you want to admit it or not. As much as some people might want to live back in 2002 with The Illusion of Safety, I'd much rather look to the future. Thrice actually shows its unique talent and diversity in being able to create two completly different soundscapes with Fire/Water. The classic Thrice elements are here, they have just taken them in a new direction. I can't understand people who live in the past and yearn for a rehash of the same album over and over again. Limp Bizkit anyone? In my opinion its a bands duty to evolve and get better over time, and constantly refine their sound. What if Radiohead never released OK Computer or Kid A and just released another The Bends or Pablo Honey? What if Porcupine Tree never released In Absentia? I think you get my point.

On to The Alchemy Index, Vols. 1-2. On the whole, an excellent excellent recording. What really impressed me when I first listened was that Thrice actually captured the essence of the Fire and Water elements on this record. Fire is harsh, britle and incendry. Dustins voice is more raspy than I've ever heard and its just feels like its going to burn into your skull. The Arsonist is an instant classic and has some of the best guitar work I've heard yet, its incredible. Choosing water to complement fire was nice because it has the complete opposite effect. Its has and almost trance like effect on you, listen to Open Water and you'll see what I mean. While Fire might burn into your skull, Water is incredibly beautiful and slow moving.

Hearing how Thrice captured the elements really impressed me, I'm interested to see how Air and Earth turn out, and if this is any indication, it will be great. As far as complaints go, there are a few tracks that are not as good as others but honestly, every album has its share of ups and downs. The downs of this album are minimal at best.

In conclusion, while Fire sounds great, I'd choose Water as the winner between the two. Its exceptional, even if your not a Thrice fan, there is alot to like on this album. Dustin Kensrue has one of my favorite voices and you get to hear both sides of his voice on The Alchemy Index, Vols 1-2. I honestly anticpated this album so much that I was afraid it would dissapoint me, but in the end it has not. Another steller album from Thrice.

Now, I don't know what the normal Thrice fan is like. I'm into Isis, Red Sparrowes, Mastodon, and I'm also someone who thought that Artist In The Ambulance was waaaay heavier (and better) than Illusion of Safety...so that might make this review less useful for some fans.

These disks get better and better each time I listen. I feel this might be on its way to becoming my favorite. It took a few listens to get what Vhiessu was about, but before long, I realized how perfect that record was, and that it was my favorite of all their albums. I feel the same thing happening again. Fire is the blistering assault that should be pretty easier to digest for most Thrice fans. Water is more challenging for me, but it's really getting to me now. The Whaler and Kings On The Main, are blowing my mind. We'll see how it goes in a few weeks!

So, if you are ready to try something that is very different from their previous work, but still bears their stamp, I think you'll be rewarded. If that's not what you are after.....there is no doubt something else on the market for you to enjoy....

But seriously, buy this record. This is a band who is really forging ahead and doing amazing things. Buy it. Buy it. Buy it. It's very very good.

Cheers.

Ok, for you people that dislike Volume II just don't get what Thrice is trying to do. This is pretty much a concept album. Thrice is experimenting with different sounds and emotions. And I believe that is progess in the right direction. And granted, you can't top Artist in the Ambulance or any prevoius albums. But Thrice even said, to some extent, they won't make the same ablum twice. Plus think about it, would you want the same album twice? Some of you may answer yes and just close your minds. But what Thrice has done, in The Alchemy Index and Vheissu, is move to something different, new. And that's what music should be about. Not Sampling older melodies or lyric structure but branching out into new sounds but keeping with they're old sound.

The boys of Thrice have allowed their fans to follow their progress from pop-punk high schoolers all the way to post-hardcore melodic artists. The fact that this album was recorded and produced by themselves shows that not only are they amazing musicians, but they are growing in their creative processes. Songs like "Firebreather" will recall of The Artist in The Ambulance whereas offerings such as "Digital Sea" are more along the lines of Vheissu and even beyond. It's not the same Thrice you may have listened to on Illusion of Safety, but if it was there would be no progression. And that seems to be what this first half of their four part concept-album is all about; progress in new directions. This is a solid album, worth listening to, even if just to pick up on the subtle wisdoms in Kensrue's ever-growing lyrical ability. Do yourself a favor: go get this Album!

Wow. that's all I have to say about this release. At least, that's how I can sum of this entire review in one word. Right off the bat, you know this disc is going to be special just because Thrice has their name on it. Ever since a friend introduced them to me years ago (thanks, Jason!) I fell in love with them and each release, with this one being no different.

This isn't a disk that you pop in and rock out too since it just has too much depth to digest in just a few dozen listens. Anyone who is a Thrice fan can see (or hear, rather) that this is the same ol thrice just wrapped up in a different package. It's got elements (yes, even disc two does too) of their old sound and I honestly can't see how anyone (even if you don't like this record) could say it doesn't sound like Thrice. Maybe you guys just are not listening.

Basically, this isn't a full length but two Eps. I got this double disc for less than the price of a full length and I think that's great that they don't let our wallets hurt for two eps. I love both discs and I wish they would had put all twelve songs on disc because it's annoying to keep switching back and forth between the two. However, due to the concept, I understand exactly why they are separate so it's really no big deal.

I like how they play the music to sound like the elements. Disc One is fire and, as you can imagine, it's heavy, fierce, and frightening. Fans of old school thrice will find much to enjoy here. Check out Track 2 (the messenger) for a blistering good time. However, even though they are more conventional than disc 2, even these songs have much to offer.

Track 6 (the flame deluge) is a great example of this. When I first heard this song, I hated it. The more i listened to it, the more it's greatness eventually shined through like a diamond in the rough. Quite simply, this track is probably the most abrasive song they have ever written. It starts off slow with eerie keyboards and a very spooky atmosphere. forty six seconds in and you get hit in the face with a sledge hammer. A huge, dense, guitar tone combines with the keyboards as the perfect background for Dustin's screaming vocals. This song evokes all kinds of tragedy and I love it.

Now onto Track 2, which is when things really change. Take all the experimental elements of their previous album (vhessiu)and take away all the heavy and you pretty much got the idea of this EP. Much like the word water would imply, the music is slow, soothing, and layered with lots of texture. Many things going on in these six tracks and it's hard to digest at first. Once you listen to it a few times you begin to understand how awesome it is. No, these are not songs you will bang you head too or songs you would let a friend listen to a house party but they are songs you will enjoy when you want to sit back and think about all kinds of things. Water is beautiful, emotionality charged, and literally takes you to another world. Just listen to track 3 (lost continent) or Track 5 (the whaler) and tell me that your mind doesn't take you to new places. Also, the instrumental (night driving) is easily one of the best tracks they have done. It's simply amazing. I'm a (HUGE) metalhead and it's what I mostly listen to but not everything has to be screaming and heavy the whole time.

Do I have any complaints about this release? Well, I wish the vocals were not so filtered. Dustin has an amazing voice and we should hear it naturally, not through some dumb machine. Just because you want to be experimental doesn't mean you have to change everything. This is a small complaint and doesn't change my score obviously. Also, i wish they would had just done a full length for each element. Six tracks just isn't a enough! Imagine what could be accomplished with these ideas if that had more time to flesh out for us, the listener! All in all, I like both discs equally and recommend this to whoever will give it a chance. It's not for everyone (but what music is though?) but for those of us who enjoy it..well, you have quit an adventure waiting for you within these two discs.

First and foremost, I almost never give 5-star reviews, so 4-stars should make a statement in itself. The direction Thrice decided to go with this album should come as no surprise after seeing what they did with Vheissu and the critical acclaim the album received.
The first volume, "Fire" is more or less what you would expect it to sound like, yet it is not old school Thrice. The speedy rifs and breakdowns of earlier albums have been replaced by a heavier, muddy storm of sound. The vocals range from melodic and eerie to unsettling and haunting screams. Overall, fire offers a tasty spread of music.
Prior to hearing the album, I wasn't sure how "Water" might sound, but after listening to it, I can recognize the appeal. In truth, I was reminded a lot of Team Sleep (Chino from the Deftones side project). It's much a lighter and somber feel for Thrice, almost completely absent of the guitar sound that so many of their fan base hunger for; but nonetheless it is very, very good.
Thrice are dangerously close to establishing themselves as one of the most talented artists around today. The album provides options; so whether you feel like kicking someone in the face or simply staying inside on a rainy night, both are available. Definitely worth picking up.

Before beginning the review, let me say that I am a musician/recording engineer, and my other favorite bands are Dream Theater, Pat Metheny Group, Mew, Frost*, Porcupine tree, etc.
I say this to emphasize the angle that I am coming from in this review.
I will write a little about the actual album, but I'm mostly going to address why I think this works for this band at this time.
There are several other straight forward reviews that do the album justice.
I hope to write to the thinker and the lover of music who is wondering about this album.

I imagine that it's very difficult for a band like Thrice to grow and change. The reason is because they started out with a very "underground" metal/punk fusion style of music.
Usually, fans in this genre are very dedicated and passionate about "staying true" to the music.
They developed a following based on this sound, and from the early EP's, to Identity Crisis, to the illusion of safety, to Artist in the Ambulance, they developed this style as far as they wanted to...and realistically, as far as they could reasonably take it without becoming stale.
These were fantastic albums that all had their own merit for the time and place that they were written.

Then came Vheissu, which was quite a departure from their previous albums...and in my opinion, it was absolutely brilliant.
Now, with the Alchemy Index, they are simply going to the next natural step, and again, it's just excellent.

The reason why these albums work so well comes in understanding where the band might be coming from.

I know as a studious musician that there are points where you have a big shift in your tastes, and your writing styles. I think it's unavoidable when you really study your instrument and your art out of love for it.
Another huge factor that influences you is major life events that change you (marriage, having a baby, etc.)
So things that you might have found amazing in the past, might suddenly lose your interest in light of something new and different.
Likewise, things that you used to "hate" can now, with a new perspective, become very appealing.
For example, 6-8 years ago, I was an elitist "indie rocker" that only listened to music that no one else has heard of. I took pride in the fact that my music was so good, and so obscure. I also only liked bands in a very narrow genre and style. Anything outside of those boundaries, I "hated."
As I've grown and matured, I can only look back and laugh at how silly I was. I've since realized that a good musician can find the value in any style of music, and can realistically and objectively analyze it.
Here's one of many examples: To date, I have several reservations about Rap. I don't have any Rap artist that I find really appealing, and I don't have hardly any Rap artists in my music collection. However, I will always listen to anything that anyone brings to the table, because there is always something to be gained, even if it's simply an insight into the state of our current culture in America. So I don't "hate" rap. I just don't have any that has grabbed my attention yet.

As I have chosen to put aside the immature "elitist" persona, and have come to be comfortable with who I am, and my tastes in music...I have opened myself up to some wonderful artists in several different genres...many of which I would have "hated" on principle in the past, without having ever listened to them!

The reason why these albums (Vheissu, and Alchemy 1-4) resonate so deeply with me, is because they follow this line of reasoning very well. Thrice's entire progression from start to now is very similar to my personal progression as a musician over the last several years, and you can hear it in their music.

Many people seem to think that with these new albums, Thrice is still the "Illusion of Safety" version of the band that is trying something new and different, but will eventually come back to their senses.
What I would argue is that they are completely different people than they were then that have grown and matured and changed, and so their writing reflects who they are now with their new and unique set of influences.

With the alchemy index, you will find traces of their roots with Fire. But even in this, there is a lyrical and musical maturity that was only still developing in the earlier albums. There are no blinding riffs to rip your face off...but after some careful listening, you will hear the fantastic use of odd time signatures and interesting tension chords that give it a deeper sense of subtle technicality.

Water is where the album really takes a new turn. Continuing where Atlantic (Vheissu) left off, Digital Sea opens up with full electronic instrumentation, and makes way for the huge mood shift after The flame deluge closes the fire album.
There are no obvious hooks on water, which makes it even more appealing on closer listening. Texture, mood, and beauty take center stage, and it's nothing short of phenomenal from start to finish.

I just recently purchased Air and Earth, and again, I am blown away.

The whole album shows a calculated departure from overt intensity, to subtle developement.
As this is a concept album of sorts, the only way to really enjoy the parts, is when they are understood with the whole.
In our 15-second-attention-span society, I can completely understand why this album would seem boring or uninspired compared to their previous work.
But that's one of the very same reasons that I am so drawn to it. I love that it takes time. It waits. It allows you to think, and compels you to dig deeper.
That's what makes concept albums so amazing. It's about the whole idea instead of the parts. Seeing how the parts fit the whole is what gives it it's value.

This kind of conceptual, subtle, beautiful, experimental work is what sets thrice apart.
There are VERY few bands that I "loved" 6-8 years ago that I still love now.
Thrice is a notable exception.
I think some people are expecting the band to express themselves in the way that they expect the band to express themselves, rather than listening to what they have to say as musicians and artists.
I create music when I want to say something...if I'm buying a band's album, then I want to listen to their perspective.

I love everything about this album.

Water is AMAZING. i dont know how you couldnt like it, maybe ive grown up, as the band obviously has, but the chill vibe of the whole 6 songs is amazing. Digital sea is one of the best songs they've created. FIRE is also above and beyond what i expected from them and is a welcome return to a little stronger sound. The combination of these two creates a great album. I love Thrice. I cant wait for Earth and Air!

There are generally two kinds of concept albums, ones in which there is an overlying lyrical concept where the songs are unrelated musically, and ones in which the music is an integral part of the lyrical concept/story and help drive it and unite the album as a cohesive whole. This album...is kind of neither. The theme of elements as a whole is obvious in the music and structuring of the album (separating them out into individual CDs), but in the end it comes off to me as a pretentious experiment that is focused on doing something different for the sake of it, instead of trying something different because of the way the music developed during the songwriting process. I can see Dustin Kensrue sitting the rest of the guys in Thrice down and telling them they are going to make an album around the four elements and purposefully force songs into those structures, instead of letting songs grow out of the concept. To me it sounds like they forced everything into boxes and limited themselves on this recording, instead of truly experimenting.

That said, this album is okay, but is hardly a masterpiece of a concept album, and hardly genius. Some people are already judging it a masterpiece even though only one half of the actual album is out. Some people also need to listen to more concept albums if they think this is a great one. I will reserve full judgment until the entire thing is out, but it's not looking good to me so far.

The theme of elements has already been done before (Elements by Atheist, for example, which is a fantastic album), so it's not entirely original, although the structuring of the album is a bit unique. I was very disappointed to find that each "volume" is really only an EP, so we're actually just getting one 50 minute album split into two CDs. In my opinion each element is too short. I think a full-length album for each element would have given them more room to explore all the possibilities within each theme, instead of just doing a couple snippets of each.

As for the music, I don't find it to be the same quality as their previous work. There are only two songs on each volume here that I really like, "The Messenger" and "The Arsonist" on Fire, and "Digital Sea" and "The Whaler" on Water. The rest are sub-par songs that have little depth due to the constraints the band put on themselves in segregating everything. Nice to experiment with, but a formula for great music? Well, I guess it depends on what you like. For me, it just equals filler and forgettable songs. When I don't like the music, it doesn't matter how good the lyrics are, the album as a whole doesn't grab my interest. I get what they are trying to do with the concept, I just don't think they executed it the best way they could. If they could have mixed the songs together somehow, with an overarcing story of some sort...man, they could probably do an excellent album with that.

If you didn't like "Vheissu," you will definitely not like this album. It sucks that in drastically changing their sound very quickly, that Thrice has turned their backs on a lot of the fans that made them big in the first place (and which allowed them the wherewithal to even experiment like this). But they can do what they want. I've enjoyed their material so far until this album. It has its moments, but it's too alienating at times. If you're going to change, bring more quality and meaning to your music and I'll stick with it.