Ice Age: Liberation

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.

Recent articles (1,629 total)

Published: July 1, 2001

On Liberation, prog-metal rockers, “Ice Age” renders a set of theme pieces via Josh Pincus’ spirited and meticulously expressive vocals, as this band incorporates melodic choruses, amid hard driving riffs and complex time signatures. With the onset of the album’s opener, “The Lhasa Road (No Surrender)”, the band intertwines profoundly stated voicings with catchy motifs and a soaring to the heavens approach. Throughout, guitarist Jimmy Pappas’ blistering leads and chunky crunch chords enhance the band’s at times, silvery edge and commanding presence. However, Pincus’ often prophetic vocals and multicolored synth-based textures offer a radiant sheen to the overall proceedings in concert with the ensemble’s often rapidly executed pulse, surging momentum and temperate shifts in strategy. Basically, “Ice Age” elicits fond memories of early “Yes” and some of the more notable prog-rockers, although the band does maintain a stylistic approach as the musicians’ convey their message in prominent fashion. A strong effort indeed!

Magna Carta

Track Listing: The Lhasa Road (No Surrender), March of the Red Dragon, The Blood of Ages, A Thousand Years, When You

Personnel: Josh Pincus; vocals & keyboards: Jimmy Pappas; guitars: Hal Aponte; drums & percussion: Arron DiCesare; bass

Record Label: Magna Carta Records
Style: Fusion/Progressive Rock