Hi, you wanna know about us?By: Richard Maw
Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 02/03/2018
Label: Blaze Bayley Recordings
“...this is one of the best metal records of recent times. Completely engaging and deftly handled; this is creative, different and daring. “The Redemption of William Black”, and by extension every record of the “Infinite Entanglement” trilogy, exhibits the very best of the heavy metal genre: it goes against the grain, stands alone and dares to be different. A triumph.”
“The Redemption of William Black (Infinite Entanglement Part III)” CD//DD track listing:
1. Redeemer
2. Are You Here
3. Immortal One
4. The First True Sign
5. Human Eyes
6. Prayers Of Light
7. 18 Days
8. Already Won
9. Life Goes On
10. The Dark Side Of Black
11. Eagle Spirit
2. Are You Here
3. Immortal One
4. The First True Sign
5. Human Eyes
6. Prayers Of Light
7. 18 Days
8. Already Won
9. Life Goes On
10. The Dark Side Of Black
11. Eagle Spirit
The Review:
As noted in my review of “Infinite Entanglement Part 1 and Part 2” (Endure and Survive), Blaze Bayleyhas been on the form of his life these past couple of years. Now nearly twenty years into his solo career, the creative urge is still flowing through Blaze's veins. One album per year over a three year stretch is no mean feat; most brand new artists could not manage it. In fact, you would have to look back to the heady days of classic Motorheador Saxon to find this kind of output in metal. With Manchester's mighty men of metal, Absolva, still providing an immense musical bedrock, this is the concluding part in the Sci Fi Concept trilogy that is “Infinite Entanglement”; the story of William Black and his 1000 year journey from darkness to personal redemption.
Now, far be it from me to suggest that the tale is completely allegorical- but the vocal performances are so emotional, so heartfelt, that there could well be some element of personal experience within these high concept fantasy songs. Opener “Redeemer” continues the tale with voice-overs to set up the listener for the next developments. Blaze's distinctive tones come in after a minute or so while the track soars majestically out of the speakers. There is a blazing solo and several sing along sections, begging for a live airing.
The album continues with “Are You Here”, propelled by a kind of dark energy that lends a genuine air of uncertainty as to how things are going to conclude. The material is anthemic and it seems to have struck a balance between the relatively upbeat “Infinite Entanglement” and the much darker “Endure and Survive” album. The storming “Immortal One” follows, ratcheting up the tension in the story and exhibiting very nifty rhythm playing from Chris Appleton with Martin McNee and Karl Schramm playing very deftly indeed (the double pedal work is absolutely on point). In fact, McNees's performance throughout the record is fantastic- great phrasing and good use of the whole kit for varied sounds and textures throughout; just listen to “The First True Sign” for proof- a very catchy track, filled with operatic vocals, time changes and great melodies.
When Blaze slows things down, as on “Human Eyes”, the effect is fantastic- the more ballad orientated tracks on each of the trilogy lend an ebb and flow to the records and allow breathing room in between the songs where the pedal is placed firmly to the metal. “Human Eyes” stands as testimony to great song writing and Blaze really gives his all.
Fozzy's Chris Jericho crops up as a voice-over artist and backing vocalist on “Prayers of Light” and the song is a barn stormer- again, it is begging to be played live with its catchy hooks and riffs. The emotionally gruelling “18 Days” is rhythmically inventive with a very strong vocal melody through both verses and choruses- this one will get stuck in your head for days. Blaze duets with Liz Owen on this one and the contrast in voices works superbly- again highlighting the range of textures present on the record. Great song.
Owen crops up again via a writing credit for “Already Won”, which sounds like absolutely vintage Blaze; hard rock melodies, metal styling and big hooks. “Life Goes On” utilises acoustic guitars along within a pragmatic and wistful message. Once again, Blaze's vocal performance is fantastic. Gone are the rushed sounding takes present on 2012's “King of Meta”l and in their place are the performances of a man who is absolutely committed to his craft and taking the time to get things just right. Similarly, the instrumental section is truly a thing of joy- the band play sublimely.
The final two tracks of the record are the ones that have to tie up the story and finish the trilogy in fine style. Blaze and band rise to the challenge easily and “The Dark Side Black” fairly sprints out of the speakers and delivers a master-class in proper heavy metal, from the riffs and solos to the melodies and the rhythm section, it is a classic track and keeps the listener engaged ready for a very big finish. The big finish is positively massive- “Eagle Spirit” is nigh on nine minutes of majestic metal. Atmosphere, drama and pathos are all here; created both by the music, lyrics and vocals- with a grizzled and gritty voice over to set up the final part of the tale.
Blaze seems to have used no small amount of introspection to write the lyrics. When he sings “They said I was nothing but that is not true. How could I survive after all I've been through?!” I got the sense that Blaze was answering his own questions with defiance and conviction. Indeed, with these three records he has met critics and adversity head on and given a riposte so forceful that it is a coup de grace.
Certainly, this is the conclusion to the best trio of concept records I have ever heard, but more than that this is one of the best metal records of recent times. Completely engaging and deftly handled; this is creative, different and daring. “The Redemption of William Black”, and by extension every record of the “Infinite Entanglement” trilogy, exhibits the very best of the heavy metal genre: it goes against the grain, stands alone and dares to be different. A triumph.
