Artist: Cyril Archard's Morbid Feeling CD Title: "...In constamcia constans" Reviewed by: Nick Martinelli Reviewed: 6/21/02

     Cyril Arhard's Morbid feeling is a progressive metal fan's dream come true.  If your looking to get into other progressive metal bands besides Dream Theater, then this is the band for you.  Great song writing, powerful guitars, and harmonious vocals just begin to describe this prog outfit, led by a French guitar veteran Cyril Achard.  He's very technical and complex guitar player that will truly impress and inspire your playing and musical tastes.  As a reviewer I am very skeptical when I get progressive CDs to review because the majority of prog bands are DT clones.  Morbid Feeling never came close.  Their music is totally original and unique compared to the rest of the prog genre.  I found this CD to be a major must buy for any progressive fan.  I actually gained a new respect for progressive music after reviewing this album.  The music is super melodic and you'll be completely blown away by the song writing and musicianship.

     Track one "Alone Among My Friends" opens with a real odd beat drum intro that is a perfect lead into the main verse of the song.  Right away you get hit with an amazing mini solo at 00:39.  The vocal performance by Patrick Peek was amazing.  He covers many vocal ranges.  Peek's voice was the perfect one for this type of music.  Along with that, his pitch is impressive.  I really liked the lyrical content of the song as well.  A major highlight was the lead guitar and keyboard trade off section.  Cyril's guitar playing is hot.  He writes some of the most complex sounding guitar riffs I've ever heard, hands down.  Not to mention his leads are non conventional.  He plays with a more "out there feeling."  Achard is not your standard rock guitarist, he's a prog guitarist, and there is a huge difference.  I also liked the acoustic break near the later portion of the song, it really added more depth to the tune. 

     Track two "Fallen From Grace" opens with a amazing atmospheric keyboard and guitar intro.  Cyril hits you with a super soulful lead that is real soothing.  This song has a huge vibe and the layering and texturing was very evolved, enhancing the song nicely.  The vocal performance was nothing short of superb.  I also loved Jean-Marc Layani's keyboard playing throughout the track.  It really helped to accentuate passages in the song.  Along with that, the guitar playing is simply inspirational.  Arhard's playing is smokin' in this tune.  I think he rips out a little more as well.  Keep your ears peeled for his fast chops and melodic soaring leads.  Check out 4:54 - 5:38 for a neoclassical feeling lead break that left me speechless!  Hear those arpeggios?

     "Empty Vow" is a slower number that had special guest shredder Tony MacAlpine playing keyboards.  This song is ultra melodic and smooth.  Check out the soulful opening lead.  Its only a few notes, but they say so much.  This song is pumped full of amazing Cyril leads, so pay close attention to each one.  This track has a larger than life feel.  I also enjoyed the complex drum work of Eric Lebailly.  Now check out the awesome rhythm guitar section from 2:20 - 2:30.  By far its not super complex, but the clean chord progression was priceless.  The main lead follows a few moments later with some impressive speed licks and phrasing.  Around the 3:20 marks the song's deep dive into progressive madness.  Check out MacApline's keyboard shredding at 4:08, need I say more?

     Song four "Fields of Graves" is a medium grooved song that has a powerful undertow and inspiring lyrics. I really liked the track a lot.  The composition was amazing.  It took a few different turns for sure.  This is one song I put on repeat a few times in order to consume the real life-force of of it.  Flawless performances and amazing writing skills made the song a huge success.

     "Exile is Over" track five opens with another melodic keyboard intro, accompanied this time buy clean guitars and bass. After that, you get his with a very heavy progressive rhythm guitar riff.  Playing like this really bring home the progressive feel of the music.  I also really enjoyed the walking bass lines of Franck Hermanny.  I always give high amounts of credit to bassists that step outside the bounds of normal follow the leader bass playing.  Franck is a bassist who follows his own beat.  His bass lines always stand out and demand attention.  This song is packed with plenty of shred for sure so get ready for the onslaught!  Also please check out the great lead at 4:00, its a priceless melodic solo for sure. 

     "The Deep One's" is the instrumental number on this great album.  If your looking for an over the top progressive shred fest than a song like this should be embodied into you mind forever.  The guitar playing is phenomenal and your going be saying "what the hell did he just do" after ever part.  I guarantee.  The other performances are amazing as well.  The drums lock in and drive the song along.  Keyboards are a great accent and also keep the feel of the song moving.  Franck's bass playing is real hot in this one, again hitting you with some wild standout lines.  Another thing worth mentioning is the composition of the song.  This one really takes progressive instrumental music to the limits and soars past them.  I think you'll really enjoy how this song was built.  It is very complex to say the least.  I'd like to know how they write songs of this magnitude.

     Song seven "Be My Thing" is a melodic number with a different feel to it.  This song is defiantly the radio single.  Sing along lyrics drench the song's melody lines and main vibe.  The Guitar playing is a little more free spirited and happy sounding as well.  There are so many guitar highlights to mention I recommend listening to them a few times, to catch them all.

     Lastly "The Lucky One" brings the album to a close with a calmer feel.  The beginning keyboard lines are very soothing.  Along with that Cyril hits you some priceless progressive lead lines.  Also check out he bass performance,  more walking lines!  This number has a huge vibe, and I know you'll fall in love with it after hearing just once as I did. 

     Looking back I'd have to say that reviewing this cd brought back my appreciation of progressive music.  They are by far no prog clone.  Morbid Feeling is a progressive outfit that will amaze you every lick and every second.  The musicianship is over the top and exciting.  Technical song writing just begins to describe my true feelings for this music.  Its very complex, and I would like to know the thought process that went into it all.  The recording and sound quality is to die for.  Everything is mixed well and the production is priceless.

     This album is defiantly for a fan of progressive music and guitar playing.  I know you'll fall in love with the high energy progressive madness as I did.  Overall, I think everyone will enjoy the compositions and performances.  So drop by Lion Music and pick it up today.  In closing, Morbid Feeling is a progressive powerhouse that shouldn't go unheard of.  These guys have something new to bring to the table and I look forward to the next release.