3 – The End is Begun

Band: 3

Album: The End Is Begun (2007)

Label: Metal Blade

Genre: Progressive, Metal, Experimental

Description: Elaborate, artsy, complex, layered, unique, dramatic.

My everlasting quest for new music and new ideas in musical composition has led me to many unique bands. 3 is no exception to this list. The End Is Begun is truly something to behold. Back in 2005 I discovered 3’s album Wake Pig and really enjoyed it. This new release is truly an improvement on a solid base.

I am a big fan of the progressive rock genre. 3 would land somewhere between Dream Theater and Porcupine Tree on the progressive scale. The technicality doesn’t shine as much as with Dream Theater, but has the same ambient feel as Porcupine Tree, and others in the genre. 3 was on the Progressive Nation Tour ‘08 with Dream Theater, Opeth, and Between the Buried And Me.

I’m not going to break down each track for you here. Instead, I’m going to focus on some of the highlights I discovered while listening to the album straight through.

“The Word Is Born of Flame“, the opening track, shows off this band’s range of talents. A rare percussive acoustic guitar rhythm rolls out underneath an ambient vocal line. Then the song builds into a badass little odd-time guitar riff. Then into a driving, heavy sixteenth note triplet section.

The second track “The End Is Begun” starts with a blistering flamenco-ish guitar flare. Then the song settles into a stomping march type of feel mixed with some fantastic prog guitar work and double bass blasts matching the guitar. Powerful.

“All That Remains” has an incredibly melodic and catchy chorus mixed with a driving guitar riff in the verse section. The vocals are harmonized beautifully. Great guitar work in the middle section.

These are just a few of the great tracks found on this album. I’m drawn to this band for the fantastic vocal work and guitar presence on this album. It’s truly a unique listening experience.

Rating:

4/5

Joey Eppard – Vocals, guitars
Billy Riker – Guitars
Chris “Gartdrumm” Gartmann – Drums, backing vocals
Joe Stote – Keyboards, percussion
Daniel Grimsland – Bass, backing vocals