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Rating: The A.C.T are a group formed in 1995 in Malmö, Sweden.
The band consists of Herman Saming (vocals), Ola Andersson (guitar), Peter Asp (bass), Jerry Sahlin (keyboard), and Thomas Lejon (drums): four brilliant artists who are innovative and unconventional. With their third album "Last Epic" (2003), they sensationally fulfill the promises made with "Today's Report" (1999) and "Imaginary Friends" (2001).
Their genre is not easily classifiable. Technically, we could talk about progressive metal, but it would be wrong to stop at that, because their attitude is not metal at all and indeed touches on hard rock, pop, and occasionally reggae, jazz.
A proposal rich in content that could entice many, and I hope (for you) that it succeeds.
"Last Epic" is a concept: the story unfolds within a building and revolves around the different behaviors of the tenants; for the most part, the building itself acts as the narrator, complaining about being neglected. Surreal.
After the orchestral intro, it's up to "Waitings From A Building" to start things off with its continual syncopations supporting a perfect bright and melodic track: it's as if Dream Theater's technique meets Queen's melodies (a hybrid I challenge anyone to ignore) and the same goes for "Mr. Landford".
"Torn By A Phrase" is a track with a complex structure: it starts as a classic hard rock piece, then develops into soft acoustic passages, where the singer gives his best, and original instrumental interludes that are seamlessly integrated.
"Ted's Ballad", as the title suggests, is instead the slowest and most emotional track.
After the instrumental exercise "Dance Of Mr Grunble" (replicated also in "A Loaded Situation"), comes "Manipulator", perhaps the least atypical piece, in its prog metal structure, yet made personal by the band with unusual rhythms for the genre.
In "Wake Up" there are reggae incursions, while in "The Observer" there are jazz ones, all done naturally and without overdoing it.
We are almost at the end and still boredom struggles to creep into me. Rather, "The Cause" and "The Effect" pick up the pace and, with their beautiful choruses, bring a sense of carefree joy that never hurts (I use them as antidepressants).
The conclusion is entrusted to "Summary", which serves as a summary of what has already been heard, blending all the elements already analyzed into a single track.
What else to say: a great band, these warm-hearted Swedes, technique at the service of creativity.
Highly recommended.
Tracklist
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