DIVIDED MULTITUDE - FALLING TO PIECES - 2002

This is Norwegian prog metal act Divided Multitude's second album. Their first, Inner Self, was released through Sensory Records in '99 but for now they are back on a new label with Italian based Elevate Records who also hold bands like DGM, Secret Sphere and Empty Tremor to name a few.

Elevate tend to sign prog/power metal acts and Divided Multitude fits the bill perfectly. Like on the first album we are presented with some fine melodic prog metal similar to Symphony X, DGM, and Vanden Plas. The music is heavily based around Christers' crunchy guitars and Eskil Klöftens' wonderful layered keys. The ensemble of these two (who also happens to be the main song writers) and the rest of the rhythm section work really well and they all come forth as very competent musicians. Vocalist Sindre Antonsen has improved a lot since the first record but still remain the weakest link here. The processed vocal bits work out well while the aggressive parts could be improved. He comes across more controlled than on the debut though and he does a decent job on the clean-voice parts. Overall I have no problems listening to this and the backing vocals are also very good.

The music is not overly complex, although you get your fair share of time changes and instrumental passages. However, it is the melodies that are in focus with songs that are accessible and well structured. I can also hear a huge improvement in the songwriting department. Overall the song quality ranges from good to great. Songs like "Enter Paradise," "Stigmatize," "Locked Away," "Dreamin" and title track "Falling To Pieces" are all brilliantly executed progressive metal songs. There are also a couple of anonymous tracks but altogether they maintain a high level throughout the CD. Where the debut suffered from a poor production, Falling To Pieces sounds much better on all levels. It is very well balanced and every instrument is present and there is enough depth and power to back up Christers' powerful staccato riffing.

All in all I am impressed by the material offered here. Divided Multitude has improved and matured since the debut album and I am positive most prog metal fans will find a lot to appreciate here. If you are into the Symphony X school of prog metal or the other bands mentioned above, Falling To Pieces is a worthwhile purchase.

Similar To: Symphony X, DGM
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