| Summary: Progressive Metal band NeWBReeD release Child of the Sun, the masterpiece of 2007. |
Classic. It’s hard to put a finger on what truly makes an album a classic. Is it virtuosic musicianship? Powerful lyrics? Something different from everything? What makes albums like OK Computer and Blackwater Park classic when they are cut from two very different clothes and no real common similarity? The answer to this question cannot be answered by any music fan, but a fan knows a classic when he or she hears it. Child of the Sun by Progressive Metal band NeWBReeD is a classic. Coming out of nowhere from a virtually unknown band, Child of the Sun combines moments of heaviness with moments of beauty in a way that few other bands could ever be able to do.
NeWBReeD is
Tomasz Wolonciej-vocals and guitar
Szymon Fiuk-guitar
Stanislaw Wolonciej-drums
Adam Semla-bass
With Child of the Sun, the Polish progressive outfit create an album that is virtually flawless, perfectly produced, and as hard hitting as it is beautiful. Each member’s work is essential to the finished product and it’s difficult to pick out a star. Every member of this band shines throughout, whether it is the catchy as hell riffs, the scantly used but amazing vocals, the perfectly fitting drum work, the well executed and passion-filled solos, or the sly bass work that is never drown out and takes many opportunities to take the forefront.
The performances of each member are flawless starting with the guitars. Every riff from Wolonciej and Fiuk combine catchiness with heaviness, usually utilizing perfect harmonization. When the riff are broken away from by one guitarist the other holds it up. While the it continues, many times a solo will appear. Such is the case with By the Sea where at a little over six minutes, a solo erupts that is absolutely perfect, while bringing an epicness to the song backed by the still heavy riff in the background. This album also contains solos that absolutely put the cherry on top of the delicious Hot Fudge Sunday that is each song. They are always tasteful even with some lasting a decent amount of time. The guitars always are played to the best ability while never becoming wankery.
The downplayed but next highlight of this album comes in the rhythm section. Red opens with amazing drums which continue throughout with perfection, being absolutely crushing at times while at others slowing up and keeping a steady rhythm with the slower parts of the song. Every moment of this song shows off just how amazing Wolonciej’s skills are and how he understands how to play to fit the music rather than just hit every note possible. The bass in this epic also takes a predominant role and always stays interesting even with the amazing riffs and drumming that is constantly displayed in the forefront.
The vocal work on this album at many times takes a back seat to the music, but still finds moments to shine. His style could be compared to Steve Wilson of Porcupine Tree except with more emmotive feeling at times. Innocence, the ballad of the album, puts Wolonciej in the lead. An acoustic track, Wolonciej’s vocals take over and his method of singing at first could be seen as irksome. His style could be compared to Steve Wilson of Porcupine Tree except with more emmotion. Upon further listens, however, the true beauty and uniqueness of his vocal approach is demonstrated. His lyrics are very varied, sometimes referring to loss, nature. Wolonciej always fits the music perfectly and uses his voice, as well as distortion, as just another instrument adding to the beauty.
The album as a whole has a hypnotizing quality. ...So Far Away From Here starts the album off peacefully, with some soft guitar-work and a distorted group of vocals that sound like a choir warming up. This continues for a little over a minute until…Wham!... the listener is hit with the opening riff and the drums enter. This sets the tone for the entire album. Moments of beauty are intertwined with heaviness and vice versa.
The highlight of the album, however, has to be the title track. Child of the Sun is an entirely instrumental track. Beginning with some soft guitar work, the heavy riff kicks in and strikes the listener in the face. The riff-fest eventually gives way to peace with light rhythm and guitar-work. This slowly builds into the true highlight of the album where every member of the band plays their best and completely lets loose until again peaceful guitars and bass with drumming then lulls the listener one more time until the opening riff comes back full force. The riff finally ends and a single distorted guitar and percussion play gives way to the song’s end.
With Child of the Sun, NeWBReeD combines the beauty and innocence of a child with the intensity, power, and consistency of the sun. It holds the listener in a state of awe, like few albums have the ability to do. To see what’s in store for this album, one must only look at the cover to view the beauty yet awesome power to come.
Pros
Fantastic musicianship and vocals
Combines the style of Porcupine Tree with Opeth's song structurs/tempo changes to create a unique sound
Perfect Production
Cons
Most songs are 7-10 minutes which could pose a problem to some
Music is predominantly instrument driven rather than vocally
The End!
Recommended Tracks
Child of the Sun
By the Sea
Red
…So Far Away From Here
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Album Rating: 5
Sorry for lack of info about which guitarist plays what and for biography. Their web page is very confusing and I don't know where to find information about them.
This Message Edited On 03.27.08
Digging: Lady Radiator - Bounce Energy Hear Me Out | | |
This sounds very intriguing and as i love prog, I need to look into this, especially if you think it's 5 worthy.
Digging: Swamp Thing - The Youth Is Sick
| | | Album Rating: 5
I've listened to it at least 20 times and still haven't found a flaw. It's weird too cause i was really looking for one because I didn't think a completely unknown band could make such a perfect album.
| | | Album Rating: 5 | Sound Off
awesome review. glad to see that someone loves this album as much as i do. but i dont really hear any Opeth in this. i would say that they are a heavier version of Sieges Even with better vocals
Digging: Miseration - Your Demons Their Angels | | | Album Rating: 5
^By like Opeth i mean in the structure of their songs with heaviness and peace coming randomly but working perfectly...cause thats the only thing i really like bout opeth...awesome recommend because u brought this band into my life. High five to you!
This Message Edited On 03.27.08
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since this sounds super uber mega underground since only 2 people on sputnik appear to have heard of it, where can i get it?
| | | Album Rating: 5
http://sammyland-heavymetalhouse.blogspot.com/2007/10/newbreed-child-of-sun-2007.html
that's where i got it and is the only place i could find it. I'd say buy the album but even their myspace didnt really lead me to a way to do that
| | | Album Rating: 5 | Sound Off
oh yeah, i did recommend you this. your welcome! we can only hope that more will look into this
| | | Album Rating: 2
I got through the first song and I do not see anything special, sure the song is full of catchy riffs but that about it. Its gonna be a chore going through the rest of the songs....*looks at the time of the rest of the tracks* oh noes....
went through second song...omg its boring..ok if this child of the sun track dont impress me ima just delete it off meh cpu and lose alot of respect for you two
This Message Edited On 03.28.08
Digging: Young Jeezy - Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101 | | |
"What makes albums like OK Computer and Frances the Mute classic when they are cut from two very different clothes and no real common similarity?"
Since when did Frances the Mute become a classic??
That intro alone made me a bit suspicious. Thing is, I haven't heard this album, but going by the "Opeth meets Porcupine Tree" comparison, this album sounds like it could be another Riverside type band. I liked your review and you described everything bang-on, but i've heard so many bands that could be similar to this band, that end up just being completely underwhelming.
Suppose i'd better check this one out then hadn't I?
Digging: Salmonella Dub - Inside The Dub Plates
| | | Album Rating: 2
Ok i just heard 4 songs off this CD thats like...what...35-40 minutes of my life taken away for this CD, the riffs are OK but the lack of vox really kills it for me.
basically every you got in your cons list is killing it for me
and bog down the first two in your positives list severely and you basically got what i am thinking of this album.
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Wolonciej’s vocals take over and his method of singing at first could be seen as irksome. Upon further listens, however, the true beauty and uniqueness of his vocal approach is demonstrated.
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I know it's kind of hard to describe a vocal style sometimes, but I wish you would have... anyway I'm thinking they're similar to Riverside, but that just may be due to the nationality thing. I'll look into these guys and hope I don't end up like Kattunlover69.
Digging: Mourning Beloveth - The Sullen Sulcus
| | | Album Rating: 5
Unretro...Begrudgingly, i edited to Blackwater Park like i was originally going to do even though i despise it so much, because it is seen as more of a classic...even though Frances is no doubt a classic...i edited the vocal thing to be more explanitory as well...and it's funny that the two examples i have for classics are two examples that i think are overrated and in no way classics but many of you my fellow Sputnikians would disagree.
This Message Edited On 03.28.08
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They stole the band name from a Fear Factory song 
Digging: Dimmu Borgir - Enthrone Darkness Triumphant
| | | Album Rating: 2.5
Ok, I just started listening, and I don't like Woloncieq's voice at all. The rest of the band seems to be fine, but something about his tone just irks me the wrong way. I'll deliver a full verdict once I've heard more.
EDIT: OK, I'm definately going to have to review this now, because I couldn't disagree more with the 5 rating. I honestly am having a great deal of trouble seeing anything especially unique or interesting about this album. This is basically a poor man's Riverside.
This Message Edited On 03.29.08
Digging: Cancer Bats - Hail Destroyer | | | Album Rating: 2
^^ thank you, I don't even know who riverside is....all I know is that this album basically bored me to death
| | | Album Rating: 5
I've never heard riverside first and foremost. I personally love the singer, but even if you don't i feel the music is powerful enough even without liking him. The guitar, bass, and drums all are fantastic so i don't really understand the hate.
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This is basically a poor man's Riverside.
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Well, I like the poor man's Porcupine Tree (Abigail's Ghost), so maybe I'll like the poor man's Riverside too
... and Willfellmarsy, if you haven't heard Riverside but like Porcupine Tree then you should check them out (especially if you like these guys and most seem to think Riverside is better then them).
This Message Edited On 03.29.08
| | | Album Rating: 2.5
It's definately more metal than Riverside, and with a lot less progression. My main complaint is how repetitive the whole album is. Sure, the riffs are catchy, but they're just repeated over and over with no variance at all, and by the end you're just sick of them. Not to mention most of them are fairly same-y when compared to each other.
Good drums, bass, and guitar do not a good band make.
| | | Album Rating: 5
Eh...that depends on your whole outlook on music...the riffs in each song have subtle progression that isn't really evident on a few listens but i like repitition with a point as with bands like Meshuggah. I don't really see the same-y-ness either but that's just me
I'll check out riverside even though I don't really like Porcupine Tree Willie and p.s. fantastic avatar.
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