Turbulence - Frontal

I admit, I'm not particularly a fan of this kind of music, progressive rock. I like Styx, Camel, Marillion, Kansas, Dream Theater sometimes, but progressive rock is not a genre of music that fascinates me too much. But there, I really fell in love with Turbulence, a band that comes to us, once is not custom, from Lebanon.

Turbulence was created in 2013 by guitarist Alain Ibrahim and keyboardist Mood Yassin. Omar El Hage on vocals, Sayed Gereige on drums and Anthony Atwe on bass complete the line-up. It is on March 12 that the band will release their second album and the first on Frontiers Music. The album is called Frontal and the cover is superb.

In the band's own words “Frontal” is based on the true story of Phineas Gage, the construction worker who, against all odds, survived an accident which caused an iron rod to be driven completely through his head, destroying much of his left “frontal” lobe, leaving him forever physically and mentally changed. We shed light on how a stable life can be so vulnerable to unforeseen events that can alter us so deep into our core that we become unrecognizable by those we love. There are moments of pain, moments of despair, moments of confusion and anger and reminiscence. These very real emotions helped us create a canvas portraying human fragility as well as human triumph. We accomplish that musically by relying on rhythmic illusions and polyrhythms juxtaposed with somber melodies, a melting pot of crunching synths, soaring vocals, complex drumming, and a never ending stream of riff carnage that fuses jazz virtuosity with prog metal tension.

And this suffering is felt in all the songs on the album, starting with the long (all the songs are long except one) Inside The Gage, a multi-faceted title. Very progressive, a magnificent song, superb guitars and a progression all in nuances which proves all the talent of the musicians. Madness Unforeseen is equally technical, progressive, melodic and incredibly attractive. We are captivated both by the music and the story of this Phineas Gage. The keyboard tracks on the rhythmic background are impressive.

Video of Madness Unforeseen

Dreamless is the shortest track on the album. And the sweetest. Piano and clear guitars brilliantly surround Omar El Hage's voice. The drums parts are complex.

Ignite is reminiscent of Orphaned Land. Guttural vocals then clear. Thick guitars, rhythmic always bright and complex, but never boring. A superb melody, enlightened guitars and sublime choirs. A stunning piece of beauty. A Place I Go To Hide offers an explosive bass, a clear and powerful vocals and sometimes soft, sometimes explosive guitars. A modern production, interesting and silky at the same time. Another long song but you never get bored.

Video of Ignite

Crowbar Case is also a long, dark, aggressive track, influenced by Dream Theater. A phenomenal rhythm intersects the quieter moments and Alain Ibrahim is royal on vocals. The last three minutes are mind-blowing. The beginning of Faceless Man is atmospheric, then a silky piano and a padded guitar announce a piece of great beauty. Wishbone Ash atmosphere guaranteed. Magnificent. The guitar solo is august.

Perpetuity is Frontal's latest title. Progressive obviously, with some more violent passages too. The sound of the guitars is always majestic. The softer passage at the end is sumptuous. Heavenly choirs, solar guitars and a very progressive ending.

A superb record which proves that music has no borders and that, on the contrary, it erases differences and brings people together. Thank you Turbulence, hoping to see you in France when times will be more conducive to gatherings.