Official Website
Albums
Theocracy (2003)
Mirror of Souls (2008)
As the World Bleeds (2011)
Ghost Ship (2016)
Mosaic (2023)
The debut, specifically the 2013 remaster, is impressive. Upon original release in 2003, this was a one man band, a project, from music, lyrics, to mixing and production, by a 26 year old, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, Matt Smith. To just imagine how this young man dreamed of and accomplished his dream has left me mind blown! Makes me wonder if he took some inspiration from Ayreon, another famous one man band.
The 2013 remaster gave this album a proper remix and a bit slicker production along with an actual drummer, Shawn Benson. I did search out my album picks on YouTube to compare the 2003 original’s versus the 2013 remixes. There is a noticeable difference through my headphones, and I am very appreciative of the rerelease.
I am a person who likes slower paced, mid tempo, more complex songs that tend to walk a line between symphonic and progressive. With that said, I found a lot of this on “Theocracy”. My first song pick follows an epic 11+ minute opus….and I had to hit repeat immediately to listen to this song twice, I bring you..”Mountain”
The opening church organ is spectacular. I have always been drawn in by music that uses this lush sound, it’s quite unique. The organ is followed by an in your face riff. There are numerous time and tempo changes with a chugging beat and a nicely placed short solo. The vocals are nothing short of amazing.
My next pick is an 11+ minute opus, “The Healing Hand”.
This sprawling song starts off hard with shifting sound from right to left then settles into a ballad pace that soon builds to an intricate progressive metal piece. Mid paced with a beautiful vocal chorus. Amazing how one man can achieve a chorus comprised of himself. Matt has a skin crawling, soaring voice! The Healing Hand has many twists and turns, including some acoustics, and builds to a crescendo of wild double thumpers. I never became bored or inattentive throughout the songs length. Bravissimo!
The next favorite is “Sinner”.
A ballad. I am instantly drawn to ballads. This one is beautiful. The interplay between guitar, organ, and piano is mesmerizing. The song builds to a catchy, heavy riff, then ends on a soft, almost sad note.
I have to give Matt Smith great appreciation for a stunning achievement.
9.5/10
Albums
Theocracy (2003)
Mirror of Souls (2008)
As the World Bleeds (2011)
Ghost Ship (2016)
Mosaic (2023)
The debut, specifically the 2013 remaster, is impressive. Upon original release in 2003, this was a one man band, a project, from music, lyrics, to mixing and production, by a 26 year old, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, Matt Smith. To just imagine how this young man dreamed of and accomplished his dream has left me mind blown! Makes me wonder if he took some inspiration from Ayreon, another famous one man band.
The 2013 remaster gave this album a proper remix and a bit slicker production along with an actual drummer, Shawn Benson. I did search out my album picks on YouTube to compare the 2003 original’s versus the 2013 remixes. There is a noticeable difference through my headphones, and I am very appreciative of the rerelease.
I am a person who likes slower paced, mid tempo, more complex songs that tend to walk a line between symphonic and progressive. With that said, I found a lot of this on “Theocracy”. My first song pick follows an epic 11+ minute opus….and I had to hit repeat immediately to listen to this song twice, I bring you..”Mountain”
The opening church organ is spectacular. I have always been drawn in by music that uses this lush sound, it’s quite unique. The organ is followed by an in your face riff. There are numerous time and tempo changes with a chugging beat and a nicely placed short solo. The vocals are nothing short of amazing.
My next pick is an 11+ minute opus, “The Healing Hand”.
This sprawling song starts off hard with shifting sound from right to left then settles into a ballad pace that soon builds to an intricate progressive metal piece. Mid paced with a beautiful vocal chorus. Amazing how one man can achieve a chorus comprised of himself. Matt has a skin crawling, soaring voice! The Healing Hand has many twists and turns, including some acoustics, and builds to a crescendo of wild double thumpers. I never became bored or inattentive throughout the songs length. Bravissimo!
The next favorite is “Sinner”.
A ballad. I am instantly drawn to ballads. This one is beautiful. The interplay between guitar, organ, and piano is mesmerizing. The song builds to a catchy, heavy riff, then ends on a soft, almost sad note.
I have to give Matt Smith great appreciation for a stunning achievement.
9.5/10
