Ice Age: Liberation

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