CD Review: Factory Of Art - Back To Life (Progressive Power Metal, 2024)

 The new Factory Of Art album is a surprise to me in any way it could be.

Finally a brand new Factory Of Art album has been released.

Brand new songs by a band that has been inactive for a long time? I was a bit unsure what to expect.

But it's already the first track called "Abysses" that calms my mind down. A decent fast track with a lot of progressive splitters that ignites a light in my mind.  It feels a bit long towards the end.

The midtempo of "Burning Wings" continues the heavy trademarks of the band and enriches them with keyboard elements that run through the whole song. It's a solid track.

"Blessing in Disguise" sets a dark mood and majestic sound. Not my favorite. It's not a bad song but feels a bit long and I think other tunes of the album are far better.

The band sounds better when they keep it more on a heavy and direct note. That's why I prefer songs like "Silent Room" or "Face Behind The Mask". They simply keep me closer to the stereo system and give me a  bigger positive push.  Most of all the least one with it's many various vocal variations stand out of the ten tracks. 

Happily the band never stresses the listener with too long songs or too stretched instrumental sections. That why I like them so much - it all remains compact and well listenable.

The longer tracks deserve to be longer and towards the end of the record the duration is cut shorter. It's good to hear that the band has the ability to come to a end at the proper moments. When it's over - it's over. 

"Decadence" for example is a bright and fast track but at the same remains so good because everything's arranged to the proper moments so it remains exciting to listen. Hold on 'till the songs end - it's well worth it.

Listening to the sound it's for sure a modern production. I've chosen to listen on less high volume because more details came through for me this way.  

I would encourage listener of heavier progressive metal music to purchase this album. It's not available for streaming with the exception of the video of "Blessing In Disguise".

Beside the songs it's the fine artwork and the colored vinyl in gatefold packaging that deserve the record to be added to your collection. 

With prices ranging from 15 Euro for the CD up to 30 bucks for the double vinyl I think it's still not too expensive. It's available directly by the band's own webshop.

Smile Empty Soul send a Savior your way

Sometimes there's a need to have a band and song that kicks you out of everyday feelings. 

Smile Empty Soul have put out a new single "Savior".

I've had Smile Empty Soul on my radar for a long time now but never found the proper moment to blog about them. The newest single "Savior" is such a good treat if you feel down and pressed. The performance of the drummer gives me the feeling as if it is knocking down my bad feelings. 

In the vocals you can find a well balanced way of softer verses and a slight and good dosed potion of roughness in the refrain. It fit's so much to this "we kick it all away" moment but it's never done a overloaded way so it always remains in it's true and natural art.

The alt-rock veterans have picked this song as a preview of their upcoming EP, Swan Song, which is scheduled for release at the end of the year through TLG|ZOID / Virgin Music Group.

Check the video out to get your Monday kick now or stream the music on the service of your choice.

Make sure to follow the band on Facebook or simply call up the band's website from time to time to check back for news updates.