JAMES LABRIE - Elements Of Persuasion

Posted: 7/19/05

Reviewed by: Dirt

Category: Progressive Metal / Heavy Metal

Released: 2005

Label URL: www.insideoutmusic.com

Artist URL: www.jameslabrie.com

James Labrie is best known as the lead vocalist for progressive metal band Dream Theater.  While he has ventured out on his own with his Mullmuzzler project, Elements Of Persuasion is James' first release under his own name.

I've always respected Dream Theater's quality musicianship but lost interest in them because they lack the hooks that I desire.  If they wrote more songs like "Pull Me Under" and "Lie," I would certainly be part of their fanbase, but their long songs and mellowing quality over the years turned me off.  Still, I regard James Labrie as one, if not the best singer in progressive metal.  Clearly, he has influenced many singers over the last decade.

Elements Of Persuasion is a heavy album.  The guitar rhythms are thick and powerful (but not modern) and in spots the album is rather fast.  Guitar solos are tastefully used as well. Labrie's vocals are as great as you'd expect them to be, and I'd have to say that this is the best material that I've heard from him since I heard "Lie."  As a matter of fact, the mid-paced "Invisible" and the speedy "Crucify" are exactly what I think Dream Theater should be doing.  Despite the fact that every song is over five minutes in length, the material does not feel drawn out.  The consistent use of the song titles in the choruses helps keep the hook value.

The production is magnificent.  Every instrument is crystal clear.  There is some use of samples, which gets to be a bit much in spots, but that's a minor point.

The Bloody Truth: If you'd like to hear James Labrie's vocals in a more accessible and, dare I say, commercial format, check out this solo album.  Dream Theater fans should enjoy this as well, because it's not too far removed from what he does with them.