They Say :- The fifth chapter in Blue Gillespie’s upcoming ‘Seven Rages of Man’. The structure for which was inspired by Shakespeare’s seven ages speech from As You Like it. It’s divided into a Prologue, Epilogue and seven Acts. Besides the Shakespearian influence there are also elements of Greek Tragedy, Mythology and Modern Philosophy, all supporting one constant through line, the exploration of human rage. Grim Determination is probably the most aggressive Act. It scores the frustrated and Panic driven years leading to middle age.
We Say :- Blue Gillespie are one of the best British progressive leaning metal bands, and have been firm CackBlabbath favourites from the first time we encountered them. Debut album Synesthesia was one of our releases of the year in 2010, and it’s about bloody time they got round to following it up…
Well, the wait is almost over. Act V : Grim Determination is the first single from the upcoming “Seven Rages Of Man” album, and it sees the band taking a slightly darker direction.
Blue Gillespie are known for their lyrical complexity and emotional intensity, and great things are expected, but I must admit that I was initially reluctant to listen to this track as a stand alone excersise. I mean that would be like forming an opinion on The Wall based solely on Another Brick or Misplaced Childhood based solely on Kayleigh, I.E. outside their context and concept. Whereas some albums are a collection of tracks, others should be listened to as a whole for the band’s full intentions to be appreciated. Seven Rages Of Man is definitely going to be one of those.
Anyway, that notwithstanding, Grim Determination is perhaps the heaviest and most aggressive thing Blue Gillespie have done. As ever the songwriting is straight out of the top drawer, and Gareth David-Lloyd delivers with an intensity that very few can match. Honestly, the underlying rage and angst is unmistakable bubbling away just below the surface. It’s slightly disconcerting, music with an implicit threat of violence.
It’s either it’s great acting or psychopathic tendencies.
Or both.
Another standout feature that strikes you listening to this is the incredible variety and technical dexterity in the delivery. Sometimes dark, sometimes anguished and sometimes aggressive the mood continuously shifts but never lifts as words and music interweave to tell the tale.
This is one of the most exciting things I’ve heard this year, and that’s only listening to it in isolation. You get the feeling that hearing it in it’s rightful context as part of an album will elevate it still further.
Can’t wait to find out.
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