By: Richard Maw
Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 02/03/2018
Label: Blaze Bayley Recordings
“...this is one of the best metal records of recent times.
Completely engaging and deftly handled; this is creative, different and daring.
“The Redemption of William Black”, and by extension every record of the “Infinite
Entanglement” trilogy, exhibits the very best of the heavy metal genre: it goes
against the grain, stands alone and dares to be different. A triumph.”
“The
Redemption of William Black (Infinite Entanglement Part III)” CD//DD track listing:
1. Redeemer
2. Are You Here
3. Immortal One
4. The First True Sign
5. Human Eyes
6. Prayers Of Light
7. 18 Days
8. Already Won
9. Life Goes On
10. The Dark Side Of Black
11. Eagle Spirit
2. Are You Here
3. Immortal One
4. The First True Sign
5. Human Eyes
6. Prayers Of Light
7. 18 Days
8. Already Won
9. Life Goes On
10. The Dark Side Of Black
11. Eagle Spirit
The Review:
As
noted in my review of “Infinite
Entanglement Part 1 and Part 2” (Endure and Survive), Blaze Bayley
has been on the form of his life these past couple of years. Now nearly twenty
years into his solo career, the creative urge is still flowing through Blaze's veins. One album per year over a three year stretch
is no mean feat; most brand new artists could not manage it. In fact, you would
have to look back to the heady days of classic Motorhead
or Saxon to find this kind of output in metal.
With Manchester's mighty men of metal, Absolva, still
providing an immense musical bedrock, this is the concluding part in the Sci Fi
Concept trilogy that is “Infinite
Entanglement”; the story of William Black and his 1000 year journey from
darkness to personal redemption.
Now,
far be it from me to suggest that the tale is completely allegorical- but the
vocal performances are so emotional, so heartfelt, that there could well be
some element of personal experience within these high concept fantasy songs.
Opener “Redeemer” continues the tale
with voice-overs to set up the listener for the next developments. Blaze's distinctive tones come in after a minute or so
while the track soars majestically out of the speakers. There is a blazing solo
and several sing along sections, begging for a live airing.
The
album continues with “Are You Here”,
propelled by a kind of dark energy that lends a genuine air of uncertainty as
to how things are going to conclude. The material is anthemic and it seems to
have struck a balance between the relatively upbeat “Infinite Entanglement” and the much darker “Endure and Survive” album. The storming “Immortal One” follows, ratcheting up the tension in the story and
exhibiting very nifty rhythm playing from Chris Appleton with Martin McNee and
Karl Schramm playing very deftly indeed (the double pedal work is absolutely on
point). In fact, McNees's performance throughout the record is fantastic- great
phrasing and good use of the whole kit for varied sounds and textures
throughout; just listen to “The First
True Sign” for proof- a very catchy track, filled with operatic vocals,
time changes and great melodies.
When
Blaze slows things down, as on “Human Eyes”, the effect is fantastic- the more ballad orientated
tracks on each of the trilogy lend an ebb and flow to the records and allow
breathing room in between the songs where the pedal is placed firmly to the
metal. “Human Eyes” stands as
testimony to great song writing and Blaze really gives his
all.
Fozzy's Chris Jericho crops up as a
voice-over artist and backing vocalist on “Prayers
of Light” and the song is a barn stormer- again, it is begging to be played
live with its catchy hooks and riffs. The emotionally gruelling “18 Days” is rhythmically inventive with
a very strong vocal melody through both verses and choruses- this one will get
stuck in your head for days. Blaze duets with Liz
Owen on this one and the contrast in voices works superbly- again highlighting
the range of textures present on the record. Great song.
Owen
crops up again via a writing credit for “Already
Won”, which sounds like absolutely vintage Blaze;
hard rock melodies, metal styling and big hooks. “Life Goes On” utilises acoustic guitars along within a pragmatic
and wistful message. Once again, Blaze's vocal
performance is fantastic. Gone are the rushed sounding takes present on 2012's “King of Meta”l and in their place are
the performances of a man who is absolutely committed to his craft and taking
the time to get things just right. Similarly, the instrumental section is truly
a thing of joy- the band play sublimely.
The
final two tracks of the record are the ones that have to tie up the story and
finish the trilogy in fine style. Blaze and band rise to
the challenge easily and “The Dark Side
Black” fairly sprints out of the speakers and delivers a master-class in
proper heavy metal, from the riffs and solos to the melodies and the rhythm
section, it is a classic track and keeps the listener engaged ready for a very
big finish. The big finish is positively massive- “Eagle Spirit” is nigh on nine minutes of majestic metal.
Atmosphere, drama and pathos are all here; created both by the music, lyrics
and vocals- with a grizzled and gritty voice over to set up the final part of
the tale.
Blaze seems to have used no small amount
of introspection to write the lyrics. When he sings “They said I was nothing but that is not true. How could I survive
after all I've been through?!” I got the sense that Blaze was
answering his own questions with defiance and conviction. Indeed, with these
three records he has met critics and adversity head on and given a riposte so
forceful that it is a coup de grace.
Certainly,
this is the conclusion to the best trio of concept records I have ever heard,
but more than that this is one of the best metal records of recent times.
Completely engaging and deftly handled; this is creative, different and daring.
“The Redemption of William Black”,
and by extension every record of the “Infinite
Entanglement” trilogy, exhibits the very best of the heavy metal genre: it
goes against the grain, stands alone and dares to be different. A triumph.
