FACTORY OF ART

BACK TO LIFE

REVIEWER – GRAEME WRIGHT

I first came across Factory of Art in 1996 when I picked up a copy of their debut album ‘Grasp’. The rock music scene at the time was awash with Grunge/Alternative Metal music and it made a pleasant change to listen to something that was unapologetically Heavy Rock music with a large dose of Prog mixed in for good measure. The band followed this up with ‘The Tempter’ in 2002 and that was that.

Some twenty years later there was a quiet reassembling of the band which I initially missed, but when I heard the ‘Story Of Pain’ EP in February of this year I realized the band were back and were working on a new album. The album is now with us and it’s a fantastic piece of work, easily the best record the band have ever released and one of the best things I’ve heard all year.

From the spoken word opening of the first track on the album ‘Abysses’, to the closing strains of the epic ‘Back To The Life’ we are treated to ten fabulous songs that have cleverly modernized the bands overall style to fit in with todays music marketplace. The band haven’t forgotten their roots though and the proceedings are still infused with a Progressive Metal style that is exquisitely played, sung and produced.

Ultimately though the majority of the songs are both hard and heavy and vocalist Jens can sing anything, from the sweetest of harmonics through to a rougher edge on ‘Face Behind The Mask’. He even throws in the odd modern day growl during ‘The Truth’ and for me there is plenty to attract any fan of Metal Music, no matter your preferred style.

Highlights for me are many, from the amazing guitar work that proliferates this album, through to the thunderous drumming and the fabulous quality of the bass work on every track. The keyboards are just the icing on the cake for me and add a touch of class to the proceedings. Songs like ‘Burning Wings’ and ‘Blessing In Disguise’ can stand side by side with anything I’ve heard this year, while songs such as ‘Face Behind The Mask’ and ‘Back To The Life’ turn up the power and will have you head banging in the aisles. Great record, great songs, amazing musicianship and regardless of whether you love Marillion, Queensryche, Iron Maiden or even Manticora this album is a no brainer for you. Brilliant stuff.

To buy the record you are probably best to purchase direct from the band at the following link for the time being.

https://shop.factory-of-art.band

BAND

Jens Schmikale- Vocals

Thoralf Schulze- Guitar

Ronald Losch – Bass

Gunter Lange – Keyboards

Ralph-Marcel Dietrich – Drums

ALBUM TRACK LIST

1. Abysses

2. Burning Wings

3. Blessing In Disguise

4. Silent Room

5. Walking To The Place I Love

6. Face Behind The Mask

7. Decadence

8. The Truth

9. Behind The Lights

10. Back To The Life