The 'trap' of artistic approach through the elemental straightforwardness of Metal music had/has/will always lurk in the 'path' of a band or artist in order to achieve deliverance of inner emotion aspects. Multiply, too, in case the 'work' is conceptual and the creator a non-professional persona (in terms of label support and/or financial recording capability). Thank (music) God, Ivory Tower seem to overlap this obstacle with their self-titled full length release and the hope is high for their further intentions in the future.
Formed a whole fifteen years ago in Greece, the sextet - as usual in the 'worn out' Greek Metal scene - did overcome various and furious lineup/band name changes in order to built up a hard working name in the Athenian 'landscape'. Through lots of demo, promo EP and live CD releases, it was time for the real thing to see the light and - in terms of a music-related aspect - The Ivory Tower warmly expresses emotions rarely seen in 'underground' bands.
The concept - as pre-mentioned - idea of The Ivory Tower deals with the story of a village-born kid named Steven Towers, whose dream for success and recognition - even by lies and deceit - did first help him to achieve everything he had in mind, soon after to 'choke' him without mercy. With 'mind' games ceasing his creativity, while his friends and family threw him out of their lives, the journey to a new code of life began; a voyage via self-esteem exploration, life criteria revision and multiple pain. Catharsis was revealed to be a 'must' by returning to his hometown, empty of thought and full of hurt. The illusion of success, the treachery and the abuse of pure human relationships was the cost; he now had the needle as his sole companion. His 'utopia' status was now difficult to change, even if genuine help was again delivered. Unfortunately, Steven couldn't return to a normal state of mind. He never needed anything anymore and stayed that way... closed inside the prison he created in his own mind.
In a set of ten interesting tunes, the conceptual preview written above - supported by the elegantly 'depressing' cover artwork - easily relates to the musical 'inner'. In the 'mood' of Queensryche's 'skeptic' works plus Fates Warning's/Shadow Gallery's 'discontented' approach, Ivory Tower expose their by-pass admiration for the above acts, while many basics throughout the audition let slip the 'connection' to the 'dark' moments of Iron Maiden/Crimson Glory. Some bridges/breaks bring relevant Iced Earth elements to mind, while - for those who know - Heir Apparent's sophomore masterpiece One Small Voice (in e.g. Aywhere) plus fellow metallers of the era Lethal's Programmed debut (in e.g. Fake Reality) are two albums instantly recalled.
The narrative 'approach' of Theodorou, twinkling with 'cry out' outbursts in faster parts, cooperates nicely with the 'harmonic' guitar duo work (even if their certain lack of inspiration in some specific leads). The songwriting - based on these harmonies - is intelligent and vivid, while -successfully - the rhythm section gives and goes to various tempo changes throughout the album. The keys 'back up' seems essential for such tunes while I wish the production (in general) would be somehow more 'solid' - especially concerning the drums/rhythm guitar parts - but no justice is wise be given in this 'sector' to self-financed works.
This album shows difficulty in being categorized as a Heavy/Prog/Power offering; this is not for bad, in my humble opinion. Ivory Tower show their teeth and - backed by a better production - they seem rather capable of caressing our ears more often from now on. Steven Towers may pay for the world he created, but this band has the standards to be paid-off for the music they craft.