Customer Reviews

Liberation

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Made in USA in 2001, Serial# MA-9051-2, Playing Time 63:07

Lyrics enclosed. Sometimes, the picture on the cover of a disc is what will stimulate people's curiosity into buying an album: it's not so with this one!

Anyone familiar with the MAGNA CARTA record label knows the amount of talent it contains, regardless of musical direction. This is ICE AGE's second album, and represents a certain departure from their "The Great Divide" effort. This time, the disc contains 4 short (less than 2 minutes) but interesting instrumental pieces that somewhat interfere with the continuity of the album (hence the 1-star penalty.)

From the first minute of the Tibet-inspired opening track, we're treated with energy and sound textures that foretell we're in for a sonic treat: Josh Pincus' vocals are so reminiscent of STYX's Dennis De Young that you'll look at the picture of the band to check out if it's not a subterfuge.

This album is a lot more "developed" than their first one, and may seem at first like an avalanche of sounds without purpose; you'll discover after a few listens the complex thematic structures and you'll probably want to indulge into listening to it again (and again, and again...)

The sounds are crisp, rich and full, even in the quieter sections. Imagine mixing RUSH's "Hemispheres" with STYX's "The Grand Illusion" and DREAM THEATER's "Images And Words": a lot more rock than prog... A lot intricacies, but no out-of-control soloing: musicianship, not showmanship.

One of the best albums of the genre so far this year!

Creating an album capable of following an impressive debut like "The Great Divide" couldn't have been easy, but Ice Age almost makes it look like child's play.

Though not a true concept album, the album's eight tracks (plus four short instrumental interludes) all do, in some way, deal with topics of freedom and liberation -- "The Lhasa Road," for instance, is about Tibet. Song-wise, the album also includes "To Say Goodbye, Part III: Still Here," a continuation of the two-part song which appeared on "The Great Divide," and the hard-hitting "The Guardian of Forever," which features guest musician David Z on bass.

The album's crown jewel, however, is "When You're Ready," which starts off with acoustic guitar and orchestration, then kicks in during the choruses. It features a phenomenal vocal performance by Josh Pincus, as well as some incredible guitar acrobatics courtesy of Jimmy Pappas (who also created the album's artwork). It is by far the best Ice Age song to date, and leaves the listener anxious to hear what this incredible band will do next.

This is prog metal of the highest order and over the year since I bought both of Ice Age's albums they have become my favourite prog metal band over Symphony X, Dream Theater and Andromeda. Ice Age are THE premier melodic prog metal band or should I say was.

Their sound is lush and colourful whilst maintaining the bridge between prog and metal with some great crunching guitar and some really superb keyboard sounds created by vocalist Josh Pincus. Their is some major talent in this band, Josh Pincus has a great operatic voice that somehow manages to be as colourful as his keyboards. Guitarist Jimmy Pappas is one of the best unknowns out there equally adept to shred and produce moments of melodic genius. Drummer Hal Aponte has a Neil Peart feel about him in his busyness and driving momentum behind the kit. All this and a lyrical content that blows nearly all prog metal bands out the water, Josh adopts a refreshing spiritual theme in his lyrics and as with the great divide their is some truly great poetic words of wisdom.

The music like all complex music doesn't sink on the first listen but with time you'll find it's brilliance. It is with a heavy heart I write this review as Ice Age appear to have changed a great deal since this album to a more straight forward dare I say NU-Metal sound, I hope you know what your doing Josh, I'll certainly miss the old Ice Age as will all your fans.

This second album from Ice Age is awesome. The songs are much more developed and have much more depth to them than the ones in "The Great Divide". The album kicks off with a great song "No Surrender", but doesn't get real good again till song 5 "When you're ready." The instrumental "Musical Cages" is awesome. "The Gaurdian of Forever" is probably the best song on the album. "The Wolf" is the rocker on the album, and is most like their last album. This album shows the development and maturity that a great band like Ice Age can go through. I look forward to their next album.

THIS IS A MUST HAVE!!!!!

Finally someting to listen to that has music, thought, and excitement. I wish more people were exposed to Ice Age and prog. It is a shame you can't find this on the radio, at least in New York City.

The insturmentals are monumental (Musical Cages) and the lyrics (When you are Ready) are superb. Ice Age has given us a "free" gift with a little something for eveyone. And Tong-Len (The Last Track) reminds me of something from "The Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon" soundtrack!!

Could you imagine the band which sounds as Marillion+Dream Theater+Queen (on the album "Queen-2")+ Rick Wakeman+ Ritchie Blackmore`s Rainbow+Kansas and the singer of which sings even better than Geoff Tate sings "Queen of the Ryche" and yet the sound of this band is very distinctive?
It was Ice Age.
I`m listnening to this album since 2001. Still I`m impressed by dramatic, spectacular, very original and bright sound (Baroque style grandeur - but it is rock music), epic and melodic songs, interesting lyrics, emotional vocals by Josh Pincus, great guitar and keyboards parties. Their best song was - "Lhasa Road" (though it is devoted to political problems of China and Tibet, the lyrics of it would remind more of fantasy literature than of CNN news).
I think that to the deep sorrow of their fans the band changed the name (now they are Soulfractured), thier music became more dry rocky and less interesting (more predictable). I couldn`t understand the reason of this suicide of Ice Age.
Their two albums (released by Magna Carta) were a real gift for the the lovers of prog rock. And if you are from this secret society - this is album for you!

The second album from NYC's Ice Age is much better than their first. They've scaled back the pomp and bombast and guitarist Jimmy Pappas isn't as concerned with showing off how good he is. It's all around more tuneful and heartfelt. "The Lhasa Road" is as good as political science statement as prog can make, and it's probably the best song these guys have done yet. It's still a bit samey in spots, but it's definitely a strong second showing. The next album should be a killer.

Ice Age has grown immensely since THE GREAT DIVIDE. The band's compositional sense, playing and production are amazing on LIBERATION. "The Guardian Of Forever" and "Still Here" are worth the price of admission alone.

I've had this CD for one week and can't stop listening to it. I've probably listened to it over 20 times now! Absolutely INCREDIBLE. I haven't had this strong of a positive reaction to a CD since Echolyn's "Mei" and Glass Hammer's "Lex Rex."

I'm not much of a metal fan, but I make a few exceptions. Ice Age tastefully tread the line between progressive rock and metal...and when I say progressive, I mean it! Music is very tight and complex. People have compared Ice Age to Dream Theater and Shadow Gallery - in my opinion, this album easily surpasses anything by either of these other two bands that I've heard. The music is well composed, with nice development and transitions between sections. You just have to experience the incredible talents of these musicians.

The first track, "The Lhasa Road (No Surrender)" was an immediate favorite. In fact, I decided to buy this CD based entirely on the positive reviews I'd read and amazon.com's sample of this one song. It is one of the coolest songs I've ever heard. But there isn't really a weak song on here - every one is awesome.

If you care at all for progressive rock or metal, this one is a must. Be sure to give it several listens, as it takes a while to sink in.

Now I'm excited to check out their first CD "The Great Divide!"

Powerful yet sensitive. Evokes colorful sensations, both of hope and despair, of happiness and sadness, of joy and agony.

A true work of art, into which you can dwelve and dream. Music you can feel, you can touch, you can see in your mind. Music you can experience.
I just love lying down, switching off all lights, and sinking into the sounds of it...