Media Review

Thrice

The Alchemy Index: Volumes I And II (Fire & Water) (CD)

Vagrant
website | mySpace | pureVolume

Overall Rating:

8.5

Music Quality: 8.5

Production: 7.0

Originality: 10.0

Thrice used to be a metal band fusing technical guitars with catchy vocals in a time when “metal” and “catchy” weren’t supposed to be used in the same sentence. In the same way they were innovators back then (see The Illusion Of Safety) they are innovators today. The art-prog fusion synthesis known as Vheissu was, by all standards, a masterpiece and certainly outlived any precedent the band held prior—and by all standards their latest project, The Alchemy Index, is no different. For those who know little about the project, the mega album will consist of 4 EP’s bundled in two packages covering four elements: Fire, Water, Wind, and Earth.

Rumors were speculated and confirmed—yes, the band buried microphones under the ground for the “Earth” record, and yes, they wrapped microphones in tape and dropped them in aquariums for the “Water” record. And, from the initial revelation, it seems they’ve done their job conveying the first two elements accurately. Fire breathes scorching guitars (especially notable on “The Flame Deluge”), electrified drum syncopation (ala Radiohead, see “The Messenger”), and the overall rage one would expect from an audible rendition of fire; Water sounds eerie and abyssal, with moody, ethereal guitars and buried vocals. So it meets the conventions for the theme—but how enjoyable is it?

Well, production-wise, the album is a little less thick and crisp, and sounds almost less potent and aggressive than their previous recordings. The prog-rock “Vheissu” was at once loud and thoughtful, and certainly had noticeably louder volumes and clarity than the recordings of Volume I and II. For example, the raging epic “Burn The Fleet” is mixed pretty well—you can hear the bass and vocals clearly and well—but I couldn’t help but imagine how it would sound if McTernan was at the helm again. The mix is a little less loud and noisy than one might hope—guitar leads are distinct, but not distinct enough, and vocals follow suit. Still, it sounds more authentic in this regard, and probably follows the purpose of a self-produced effort in the first place, so you be the judge.

As for the legendary Kensrue’s vocals? As usual, he finds suitable, memorable melodies and hooks, and his shrieking on the Fire album sounds splendid. The content and lyrics, however, at moments leave something to be desired. I was hoping for something a bit more subtle; he says the word ‘fire’ and the word ‘water’ several time on their respective albums. I suppose it only helps to retain the thematic approach, but I almost found it to be inducing and forced. Then again, the somber lyrics of “Open Water” are immensely dark and resonating at the same time.

It's hard to pick out the key track. Is it “Open Water,” the lengthy, breathy track filled with Thrice’s distinguished synth work first made apparent on Vheissu’s “Between The End And Where We Lie?” As the vocals drone on, I question whether I’m forcing myself to imagine them fitting into a ocean wave-like pattern—but either way it fits nicely. Or is it the album closer, "Kings Upon The Main," with vocal reverb and somber, gratifying vocals and lyrics? Either way, one can say one thing: Overall, of the two EP’s, the “Water” album’s imagery is much more sustainable and conventional throughout—likely due to the fact that we’re all used to hearing Thrice play loud blistering metal jams. Not to mention that the drum syncopation and remixing (see “The Whaler”) is much more emphasized and excellent on “Water.” It’s a much more eerie, strange sound that delves into territory unexplored by Thrice.

I think, if it weren’t for the relatively muddy production to Vheissu, I might love this album as much as it’s predecessor. Still, the thematic vision encompassed by the prog-metal innovators is sustained and upheld thoroughly through both albums, and once again Thrice have outdone even themselves. At least in the creative sense. I’m incredibly excited for the next release in spring 2008, and rest assured they will complete the vision with flying colors.

reviewed by Andrew Martin