Back
with their first album since 2005, progressive metal originals Lord Of
Mushrooms return with their third album “Perspectives” on 27th
February 2012 via Lion Music.
Founded
in the late 90’s by Laurent James (guitars) and Julien Negro
(bass), Lord Of Mushrooms has always been a unique entity in constant motion.
From the first live covers of the formative years to the foundations of their
new master work, the band motto has always been to create its own rules and not
follow others.
After
a few years of uncertainty and a major change in its line up, the quintet has
achieved today what will be definitively considered its touchstone, having
outshined both its musical and lyrical potential with “Perspectives”.
Now
fronted by Gus Monsanto (ex Adagio), Lord Of Mushrooms is back to the
front and blessed with an incredible collection of songs. “Perspectives” is,
without any doubt, the most ambitious and challenging work the band has ever
done. The main focus was trying to get off the beaten track. The new composition
were deliberately smoothed to have a more direct approach for the listener but
those looking carefully will find many non conventional modes, rhythms and
melodies.
“Perspectives”
also has fewer old fashioned sounding synth sounds and more simple and
crystalline pianos – incorporation of real classical and exotic instruments. If
the essence of the band is still there, its sound has expanded and the music on
the album can’t really be compared to anything else.
Crushing
rhythms and mind blowing solos, soft and eerie atmospheres supported by a real
string ensemble, harmonic originality and beautiful lyrical work all thanks to
incredibly tight musicianship are just some of the albums characteristics. Don’t
try putting a label to the music of Lord Of Mushrooms, listen to these songs and
enjoy their uniqueness!
The
obvious change between “Perspectives” and the two predecessors (2002’s Lord Of
Mushroom & 2005’s 7 Deadly Songs) is the line-up evolution. Three new
members have joined the band and have indeed brought entirely new perspectives.
Gus, on vocals, has already showed his qualities with renowned bands such as
Adagio and is a much more powerful and memorable singer. Both Luca and Marco
have played in an Italian progressive metal band and brought their unique
background to the foundations of the group. The music on this new album is far
more mature than Lord Of Mushrooms’ previous works, sophisticated but more
direct at the same time.
Laurent
James comments, “Concept albums are a tradition with the band, and
“Perspectives” is definitively more audacious and will encourage the listener to
dig deeper into the lyrics to understand all the hidden meanings. “Perspectives”
follows the path of a strange character, and analyses his thoughts during this
initiatory journey of his. As the key to the story is only revealed at the end
of the album, we cannot clearly detail every chapter specifically, but the goal
of this concept was mainly to bring contemporary human matters to a different
and somehow weirder level, and let the listener understand that, in the end,
everything is but a matter of perspectives! Musically speaking this album
definitely has a much darker atmosphere, our previous releases sounded very
positive and bright, we just needed this new balance. Changes in the line-up of
the band have definitively matured Lord Of Mushroom’s music. The songs are
catchier, with a harsher and more distinctive vocal delivery”.
“Perspectives”
demanded quite a long time for completion. Even if recording sessions started
mid 2009, the songs emerged between 2008 and 2009, the band was playing a few of
these titles live before the recordings initiated. As its members are scattered
all around the globe, finalizing the project was not an easy task, but the band
managed to make the best of what they had and transcended the difficulties they
faced to deliver the best album possible.
An
album that is the epitome of cosmopolitanism, having two French musicians, two
Italians, a Brazilian singer, and being mixed in Canada by Richard Chycki
(Rush, Aerosmith, James La Brie, Dream Theater) and mastered in the USA by the
critically acclaimed Andy VanDette (Rush, Deep Purple, Porcupine Tree).
The icing on the cake is the unique sleeve design by artist Travis Smith
(Opeth, Devin Townsend, Nevermore).
Overall,
“Perspectives” is the most cohesive work the band has ever done, and even if
they already had a strong musical personality on the previous records,
“Perspectives” has achieved a new level of musicianship and provided the band
with its own unique identity. This new album sounds like Lord Of Mushrooms and
no one else.
TRACK LISTING
01.
Imago.
02.
Warmth In The Wilderness.
03.
Grace (Dedicated To…).
04.
Circles On The Water.
05.
The Missing Link.
06.
Red Queen’s Race.
07.
Light And Thunder.
08.
Raindrops On My Wings.
09.
Nyx’s Robe.
10.
Awaken.
11.
Falling (Bonus Track).
MUSICIANS
Gustavo
“Gus” Monsanto – Vocals
Laurent
James – Guitars, Saz, backing vocals
Julien
Negro – Bass, backing vocals
Luca
Mariotti – Keyboards, clarinet, backing vocals
Marco
Talevi – Drums
ALBUM CREDITS
Produced
by Laurent James.
Recorded
by Lord Of Mushrooms.
Assisted
by Damien Rainaud.
Drums
recorded by Luca Maroncelli.
Mixing
by Richard Chycki.
Mastering
by Andy Van Dette.
Album
composers : Laurent James, Luca Mariotti
Lyrics
: Julien Negro
Cover
artwork by Travis Smith.
OFFICIAL WEBSITES
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