Last Chance to Reason - Level 2
Rating
RIYL
Between the Buried and MeCynic
The Contortionist
Release Date
04/12/2011
Label
Prosthetic RecordsTracklist
1. Upload Complete2. Coded to Fail
3. Taking Control
4. Temp Files
5. Programmed for Battle
6. Portal
7. The Parabolic
8. The Linear
9. The Prototype
10. Apotheosis
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I was first introduced to Maine’s Last Chance to Reason in 2009 when they started following me on Twitter. And then on YouTube. And then on MySpace. I thought it was odd for a band to add me of all people, but I quickly realized that if you were a professed fan of metal, technology, video games, or anything in between, you were getting added as well. I checked out the band and wasn’t particularly impressed, but that didn’t matter, I had heard them, and that was their goal. The band’s work ethic unsurprisingly paid off in the form of a signing to Prosthetic Records earlier this year, and their new record Level 2 is already making big waves in the progressive metal scene. Fresh off tours with both Atheist and other contemporaries such as Wretched and Son of Aurelius, Last Chance to Reason is poised to make big things happen in 2011.
Before I get into the music, I need to explain the concept of Level 2. The album is the musical counterpart to a video game of the same name. That’s right, in collaboration with game developer Tom Vine, Last Chance to Reason has created a PC platformer in the vein of early Metroid and Contra to complement their music. The album tells the story of the game’s main character, an artificial intelligence unit who makes realizations about the world around him. The album’s seemingly simple lyrics revolve around the relationship between reality and virtual reality and, along with the game, serve to add a new level of interaction between the band, its fans, and its music. The best part about the group is that every element plays off of another so well. The fact that they’ve created a video game is impressive in its own right, but being able to push their music to effectively sound like one is on another level.
Thanks to their phenomenal line-up, the band easily interchanges between time-bending rhythms and ear-catching hooks, evening out every aspect of their music extremely well along the way. There is a fundamental flow from each part to the next, and they know exactly when to introduce or retire certain themes. Often propelling them between parts is a Cynic-like motion, complete with flurries of sixteenth notes against slower tempos, creating a very unique transition style and paying tribute to one of their most obvious influences. Tight playing between each member of the band makes sure that every moment of Level 2 is exemplified, and a mix from the always-great Jamie King makes sure that every instrument is adequately represented. Vocalist Mike Lessard isn’t excluded from that statement, considering his vocal style is very much instrument-like. His knack for creating lethargic, repetitive melodies ends up being one of the most recognizable facets of album. The often-vocoded performance is stellar, sitting on top of the already innumerably layered music and providing perhaps the most unique component. Songs like “Programmed for Battle” and “Apotheosis” show him breaking out of the almost-digital monotony and letting a bit of feeling slip through, creating the perfect balance for the album’s overarching motif of reality versus virtual reality.
All of these elements help Last Chance to Reason succeed in creating a modern progressive masterpiece. Taking a cue from the genre’s progenitors, the album isn’t about cramming as much as possible into a schizophrenic package and harming listenability, but combining fantastic songwriting and new ideas. The band’s technical proficiency does not serve to impress the listener by prowess alone, but by helping to create soundscapes that are simply unheard of. Level 2 continues to exceed expectations with every listen, further proving its place in progressive metal with its refreshing coherence and classic sense of songwriting.
--Cody Rogers
Comments
Minnesota
I'm really surprised by this release. I liked it a lot. I was skeptical because their first album, Lvl 1, was an absolute mess. Seriously, that album was total crap so when I heard Level 2 I just about shit myself. They made such a gigantic leap forward between albums.
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London, UK
Am really enjoying this. Too early for me to rate it yet but a huge improvement on their first album
Currently listening to:
Ne Obliviscaris - Portal of I
Tacoma Narrows Bridge Disaster - Exegesis
Suspyre - Suspyre
Hot Water Music - Exister
7 Horns 7 Eyes - Throes Of Absolution
Fishers, Indiana
Well damn. Pulled the trigger on a 5. Guess I have to listen to this.
Also, I gotta play this video game, dammit.
Top Albums: 2011 | 2010 | 2009 || Tumblr | Twitter
Edmonton, AB
These guys put on a good show, they really love what they do and it shows. The Linear is a fantastic song.
Fishers, Indiana
The video game is fucking baller. And the music's pretty good too from what I've heard. I really want to play the rest of it now.
Top Albums: 2011 | 2010 | 2009 || Tumblr | Twitter
Infinitely Inwards
This album is a little too short. Even though the song structure is intelligently crafted with melodic leads and hooks it becomes redundant in its delivery for moments after certain climactic elements (aka ending choruses and lengthy bridges leading to nothing).Furthermore, there isnt much differentiation in the general sound of the album (not a bad or good thing just an observation....i like my prog metal to be proggy). Anyway, this album is quite excellent and surpasses many of their peers in terms of inventiveness and technical ability. 4/5.
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