Customer Reviews

Torn Between Dimensions

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

 

 

My goodness, what an album! Glenn Snelwar (who I am previously familiar with only through his contributions to Sean Malone's Gordian Knot) has put together the ideal trio here for bringing to life his compositions, in bassist Michael Manring (Attention Deficit, Sadhappy, etc.) and drummer Mark Zonder (Fates Warning). The music is very much in the vein of the Gordian Knot projects: all instrumental, heavily composed, ethereal and moody, with an emphasis on atmosphere over pyrotechnics. Make no mistake, the musicianship is peerless, but this is not an exercise in musicianship over and above composition, as some supergroups sometimes seem to be (some have criticized the Liquid Tension Experiment projects for this, for example).

This project is a particularly nice showcase for Manring's stunning fretless bass work. The man can bring forth sounds from his Zon Hyperbass that will give you chills.

I really cannot recommend this album highly enough for anyone who is a fan of excellent compositions and top-notch musicianship. What a treat.

These guys are awesome. Although it reminds me in some ways of the Gordian Knot music, it lends it's own unique spin on high-tech futuristic instrumental fusion music. It is melodic too. The guitarist even sounds at times like Robert Fripp or David Torn. Nice ideas that are a pleasure to hear. I am also a long-time fan of Micheal Manring and his bass playing adds alot to this music. The biggest surprise was definately to see Fates Warning drummer Mark Zonder playing this stuff. I love Fates Warning's music too, but it definately leans more towards Prog-Metal type stuff. So to see him venturing out into this style of music was very interesting. Although I guess it is not all that surprising since guitarist Jim Matheos of Fates Warning has played not only on the Gordian Knot CDs, but also with OSI as well. All these guys just keep putting out the most advanced, most interesting music on the planet. I absolutely love it and cannot get enough of it.

I agree with the previous posting -- although I am disappointed to know I am not the only one with the restraining order. Mark's work on this CD is every bit as good as the Zimmerman project Under_Radio. And if you liked Chromakey then pick this one up. Mark has come a long way since the Ken Bomber album or the Thunderchild days (with all due respect to all Warlord fans). Can't wait for the TEMPLEWITHIN release.

This album features Glenn Snelwar who did guitar work with Gordian Knot and Mark Zonder who was the drummer for Fates Warning. How would I describe it? Take 1 cup of Gordian Knot, 1/4 cup mellow Dream Theater, 2 tablespoons of Fates Warning, 1 teaspoon of Spiral Architect, and blend with Mark Zonder's "Pleasant Shade of Grey" drumming. What do you get. A really cool instrumental prog. rock album.

Great stuff. I love Gordian Knot, which is how I found these guys. I really like this when working, driving or just want something good to listen to. You cannot go wrong with this and if you get a chance check out Gordian Knot as well.

A great album... it flows/rocks/moves/electrifies... from start to finish. The only negative comment is that the last song could have ended sooner. My opinion is slightly biased because I think Zonder is a drum god. I think this is his best work outside of Fates Warning (don't worry Mark, I know the restrictions of the restraining order).

Every time I see a new project from one of these Cynic associates, I get my hopes up that they'll live up to the hype.

Yet here's another example of mediocrity to add to the pile. Cynic, Gordian Knot, and now At War With Self have all proven to be dated, sonically substandard, and even somewhat amateurish tech-metallists.

Is it terrible? Not by a long shot. There are plenty of shining moments. But it simply doesn't warrant the kind of praise that has been heaped on these so-called masters of tech/jazz metal. The technical prowess isn't all it's cracked up to be, and the songwriting is only so-so.

+1 for remaining instrumental and not succumbing to the simple desires of adding cheesy vocals. At least they respected the jazz roots enough to resist the urge.

Not bad, but I expect a lot more from musicians of this caliber.