The latest 5 song CD EP “In Vain” by Sage finds the band once again exploring non-traditional heavy metal instrumentation and structures within their songs as they did on their previous release “Lightning Strikes”.
Tracey Sage has a diverse and dynamic voice that can take on many different styles and emotions within on song as displayed on “Graves”. While it may be a stretch, she reminds me of a female version of John Arch in being able to be chameleon-like in her vocal style fron song to song.
“Backbone” is the most commercial track I have heard from the band. Although it is bordering on a power speed metal track (like Gamma Ray or Stratovarius sans the keyboards) with intense guitars (courtesy of Mike Walsh) and delivery. “Out Of Body” has progressive tinges mixed with a good dose of intensity. Closing track “In Vain” has middle eastern flavored musical passages and shows the band’s ability to find a bridge between diversity and melody without sacrificing the overall metal feel of the music. Once again, a very impressive effort.
Track Listing:
Manifest Destiny
Graves
Backbone
Out Of Body
In Vain
Vocals: Tracey Sage
Guitars: Mike Walsh
Bass: Rob Thompson
Drums: Eric Ganci
