When does the term Progressive Metal become too restrictive for a band? How difficult is it for a band to break down musical barriers between genres without losing direction or purpose of existence? These questions often pop up in discussions between fans of Progressive Metal music. I always consider Progressive Metal (or Rock, but mostly Metal) as a tricky genre. I didn't base this opinion upon the fact that I demanded really skillful musicians but mostly on the demanding audience that rejected with ease clones of known acts. So how difficult is it to sound innovative in a genre that hosts some really huge bands?
A Tribute To Life is a good answer to all these questions. Fragile Vastness is one of those bands that pop out of nowhere and mark up the scene to a point with their presence, even years after their departure (something I hope will not happen in the near future). Even from their debut Excerpts... back in 2002, it was more than obvious that the term Progressive Metal was confined for this bunch of musicians.
In the A Tribute... album the listener will find all these elements that made a huge impression, amplified several times. Taken to a whole new level, the first thing I noticed was the band's adoption of more Folk / Latin themes than those in the first album. Most songs are nicely grafted with these exotic to us moments that give a certain twist to the whole outcome.
The new vocalist, George Ikosipentakis, is a fine addition to the team. He definitely has a more Metal voice than the previous singer. As for the rest of the musicians, I can't really add something apart from the fact that they are probably some of the best musicians in Greece.
A Tribute To Life comes in a limited double CD edition that will satisfy fans of superb music. You really don't have to be a fan of Heavy Metal to enjoy this one. By far one of the best albums ever released by a Greek band.