| Musical Style: Progressive Metal | Produced By: Luke Nealeigh |
| Record Label: Roxx Records | Country Of Origin: USA |
| Year Released: 2023 | Artist Website: |
| Tracks: 11 /6 | Rating: 80% |
| Running Time: 70:07 / 36:03 |
I had high-hopes for AfterWinter and its Roxx Records September of 2023 debut full length Paramnesia. After all, the group is primarily made up of members from the Neileigh family - Luke (guitars), Sam (keyboards), Majennica (vocals) and Dan (bass) - whom gained initial renown for their contributions to the excellent progressive metal of 2017 third Biogenesis album A Decadence Divine. With guitarist James Riggs (also of ADD era Bio), drummer Eli Closson and vocalist Jerry Grazioso rounding out its lineup, AfterWinter trends similar progressive metal territory, albeit without the darker Gothic and doom-like signatures to Biogenesis not to mention the growling rumbles to front man Chaz Bond. Rather, lead vocals both male and female are clean and melodic as AfterWinter takes a ‘no frills’ approach to the progressive genre that has more in common with Dream Theater and Affector (by no means a bad thing).
As often is the case with progressive albums, Paramnesia is lengthy in breaking down 100 minutes of music over two CD’s. It proves a technical marvel in this regard by delivering the qualities one expects from progressive music in the form of manifold time signatures and tempo changes, lengthy songwriting and extended instrumental sections (musicianship is superb). Yet, due to its protracted length, Paramnesia can be a trite listen, particularly at the end when the second disc consists of six songs that combine for a 36 minute Neal Morse style ‘mega epic’. As a long-term progressive music fan, I embrace lengthy albums, but Paramnesia pushes my patience to the limit as one of the most protracted musical works I have heard.
One of the albums shortcomings accordingly rises to the surface from how AfterWinter does not imbue its material with a great deal of catchy Theocracy style hooks and melodies. I am uncertain if this was intentional or not, and I recognize that progressive music does not necessarily bring radio friendly AOR style accessibility, but when delivering an album in excess of 100 minutes more engaging qualities are required lest the listeners attention span begins to drift. That said, in no way am I implying Paramnesia is completely bereft of strong melodies; rather, the opposite holds true in that the final two songs on the first disc, “Unveiled” and “A Missing Piece”, reveal some of the catchiest riffs this reviewer has heard all year. Problem, however, is that there are not enough to go around for a 100 minute album.
I do not intend to be unfairly critical because AfterWinter deserves a full measure of credit for such an ambitious undertaking on just its first album. Such ambition further reveals from manner in which Paramnesia is concept related. Not to go into too much detail, but following are the particulars from the groups press material:
“The story of Paramnesia focuses on Detective Riley Stone, a Christian woman from the fictional city of Howeldale, California. The story opens as Riley begins to have strangely vivid nightmares where she finds herself on the scene of several violent murders. Each morning following these visions, she is called to a real murder scene by Police Sergeant Orion to discover the scenes she dreamt played out exactly as she remembers from her dreams.
“Each murder is linked by a number, presented as if it is military time, leading Riley to decide the murders are being committed by a serial killer. With the spiritual guidance of her brother Thomas Stone, Riley determines God is giving her these prophetic visions so that she can stop the killer. Join Riley and Thomas as they grapple with themes of deep introspection, self-doubt, questioning faith, questioning purpose, living with mental illness, and the dangers of becoming a false prophet.”
Again, credit the group for the creativity of coming up with such a dramatic storyline. That said, and perhaps due to its exorbitant length, but as you are nearing the end of the 70 minute first disc, the story begins to go over your head and you are ready for the album to wrap but, but you still have a second disc of material to wade through.
Which leads to my main point regarding concept albums: sometimes less is more. In other words, it is not necessary to cover EVERY detail but rather the MAIN details instead. If the intent of a concept album is to tell a story or offer discourse on a subject, then provide enough information to keep the listener’s attention but not so much as to overwhelm.
Another point of contention is the lack variance to the Paramnesia vocals. Yes, the AfterWinter vocals are adequate in that Majennica and Grazioso are solid, technically sound performers, but I cannot think it would have worked better if a ‘rock opera’ approach had been taken and several guest vocalists brought in to help fulfill the dramatic natures to the albums storyline. Neal Morse, for instance, did a choice job in this regard on his concept albums Jesus Christ - The Exorcist and The Dreamer - Joseph: Part 1. Perhaps the album might have added staying power if vocalists such as Ted Leonard (Affector), Matt Smith (Theocracy), Lance King (Balance of Power, Pyramaze) and Rob Rock (Impellitteri) had balanced the AfterWinter front team.
A few other suggestions moving forward:
1. Keep the running time on your next project to a more reasonable 60 to 70 minutes. Do not back from your inherent progressiveness- ensure that any future material you record remains technically intricate and complex as ever. However, go with your 8 to 9 best songs instead, but follow the example of “Unveiled” and “A Missing Piece” by basing each around a catchy riff and/or melody.
2. Avoid the temptation of going the concept route. Yes, concept albums are staples within the progressive community (referencing the as noted Neal Morse) but focus instead on creating a cohesive group of songs that work well together. If going the concept route, do you best to keep it within one disc; if two are required, release each separately over a period of several years to avoid losing the listener’s attention span.
3. Mend fences with Chaz Bond. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Hence, time has proven you are better with him, and he is better with you. I am not suggesting a full-bore reunion, but rather encourage you to seek is involvement on any next project you record: allow him to vocally guest on a song or two; hire him as producer; or at the very least solicit his input regarding any new material you record. I refer to Bond as ‘the king of melody’ for a reason in that no matter how dark, aggressive and doom-like whatever Biogenesis project he records, there is an element of accessible melody tying individual songs together. I cannot help but think he would prove invaluable in this regard.
At this point, I feel it is best to wrap things up. Wait, I am sure you are asking yourself, why is there not a track-by-track breakdown? My philosophy regarding breaking albums down by track is to do so when it makes sense and not to do so when it makes sense. Hence, I do not feel it makes sense to break down intricately a 17-song album with a run time in excess of 100 minutes. It would make a tiresome experience for both the reader and writer!
That said, I find Paramnesia to be a professionally recorded, packaged (the 20 page booklet courtesy of Scott Waters of No Life Til Metal Graphics is a work of art) and performed album that is a welcome addition to a Christian progressive metal scene that is somewhat bereft of participants. Yes, what participants out there are great when noting Affector, Biogenesis, Sombre Holiday and Veni Domine, but what we need is added bands within the Christian progressive metal segment, and AfterWinter plays a crucial role in this regard. I eagerly anticipate any future project the group records!
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Paramnesia track listing (Disc One): “Sleeping Torment” (1:37), “Left For Dead” (8:45), “Losing Myself” (5:01), “Connections” (9:22), “Time Runs Short” (3:39), “Scene: Mistaken Accusation” (2:22), “A Glimpse In The Mirror” (7:02), “Fall” (6:17), “Imperfect Conviction” (10:41), “Unveiled” (7:16), “A Missing Piece” (8:06)
Paramnesia track listing (Disc Two): “The Final Message Part 1: Chosen” (6:56), “The Final Message Part 2: World Without Sin” (5:53), “The Final Message Part 3: The False Prophet” (6:28), “The Final Message Part 4: Purpose in Question” (3:12), “The Final Message Part 5: The Final Message” (3:54), “The Final Message Part 6: Set In Stone” (7:39)
Musicians
Majennica Nealeigh - Lead Vocals
Jerry Grazioso - Lead Vocals
Luke Nealeigh - Lead Guitar & Lead Vocals
James Riggs - Rhythm Guitar
Sam Nealeigh - Keyboards
Dan Nealeigh - Bass
Eli Closson - Drums
Additional Musicians
Harry Mills - Lead Vocals
