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Released by Unicorn Records (UNCR-5081)
This is the band's first release with new bass/vocalist Sylvain Auclair (ex-Heaven's Cry).
Sylvain Auclair
bass, vocals
Simon L' Esperance
guitar
Mingan Sauriol
keyboards
Thomas Brodeur
drums
Big news! Karcius has a new bass player. Not really such big news? Well Sylvain Auclair is not only a bass player, he is a lead singer so Karcius is no longer an instrumental Prog/Fusion band, but a Prog band playing song based material that I would certainly not consider "Radio friendly", but clearly more accessible than on previous CDs.
I can guess that some will be surprised or even disappointed by this major change. I'm not one of them. I did enjoy the band's previous music, but I'm someone who usually enjoys his Prog with a mixture of instrumental sections and singing (with a number of exceptions I may add).
Like on their previous CDs, Karcius offers on The First Day some music with a large palette of inspirations (Fusion/Rock/Prog/Reggae...) but manages to blend them in a very smooth way. Most of the tracks have nice hooks and ear catching melodies, even though the music is mostly pretty intense and even a little dark. All the compositions are strong and extremely well performed. Sylvain Auclair has a nice gritty voice and an excellent technique. Perhaps a mixture of Sting/Eddie Vedder/Adrian Belew can give an idea of what to expect. The singing is in english with no accent.
In conclusion, The First Day is a great CD from a band that is evolving in a very insteresting direction. This one will most certainly be in my "top ten" albums of the year. Highly recommended with no reservations at all. Great stuff!!