Double Door: Illusions Fate - Feb 16, 2011 –

Mix of pain & pleasure, reach for your ankles!

Walking through the snowy streets and awaiting this new band I didn’t know what to expect but hoping for a cheap beer but not a cheap thrill. After an array of bands that offered some form or another of a pre-packaged already done classic, emo, or something in between “metal” is when Illusions Fate took the stage.

Creating this band on Halloween of the opening feast of the saints & spirits is only one element this band gives to surprise. From start to finish the three piece band was a nonstop energy ball of archaic fire. Head to Toe filled with adornments of black, chains, piercings, sweat, and lust.

Not only a night of the full moon, but also their second to last show before the major plans of a Midwest Tour to spread their recent album “The Ghost of Maya.” A concept album, filled with biblical references and representing themes of suicide, addictions, and other morbid thoughts that plague preaching a sense of sarcastic attitude of the death of chivalry.  The singer/lead guitarist Joel has full grip of the audience from each breathe, turn, and grasp.  The demeanor; tight jeans, vein popping vocals, head moshing dreads, guitar humping and reaching to the sky creates a visual presentation of the freedom of his pain.  One influential singer that would be ideal comparison is Marilyn Manson. His dark comrade Ken, as behind the drums gives the depth, darkness, and crucial points to balance the riffs and shredding of Joel. Dressed to Kill and Seduce, fish nets, collar, and sticks; showing great use of dynamics, thrashing, expressing great change over’s and suspense. The wide stage of Double Door was excellent in the show lights of the intensity, presence, and overall energy of the band.

Sounds: From the detailed lyrics to the high energy and tribal tone this would be a twist of alternative/nu metal, example of old school KORN and Tool.

With the volume of shredding yet clear guitar playing, smooth and profound lyrics, with a raw yet tribal sound gives them the basis to reach a wide spread of fans: Meaning one who listens to metal but doesn’t consider oneself as a “metal head” can appreciate and become a loyal fan of this band. Take a listen and enter the path of the mixture between pain and pleasure in this heart throbbing album “The Ghost of Maya” by Illusions Fate.

Next Upcoming Show!
March 5th 2011

Black Hearts

124 Main St, West Chicago, IL
(630) 231-0303

21+ 7pm
http://www.reverbnation.com/illusionsfate#!/show/3758088
http://www.myspace.com/illusionsfatemusic

In the shoes of an Emotional Robot

Journal of the Emotional Robot

The Album starts with a brain wave length dream of repeated motif, almost like an anthem stating the beginning of a project. Really a patch work of unusual sound and “elektronika” music. Very rhythmic, fast paced, almost an assembly line working to make a syncopated stream. Lots of the melody does a great deal of creating imagery in your head such as, stairs, floating, waves, etc.

            The energy is an evolving path framing out this theme of consciousness: curiosity, lust, confusion, and even guilt.  It is a rare puzzle of using harmonies, over-dubbing, harp-like guitar, and excellent use of melodic patterns. Also pairs call and response moves, giving a sense of breathe in between verse/bridge formulas. In track six specifically “Suave” the artist uses an echo guitar melody hinting a bluesy/melancholy vibe and invoking a romantic dream-like feeling again, like “is this love?”

            It spirals at the ending, definitely wrapping up the present and past into stillness. Many of these tracks can be presented solo or even in a soundtrack. This is a gem of an album: A mix of Latin funk, classic hip hop beats, romantic chords, and electronic fore-play. A few bands, projects, artists that (sound-like) Radio Head – Kid A, Coldplay – Rush of Blood to the Head, Prodigy, Cuban & Ol’ Spanish Music, definite hip hop and techno ranging from mid-90’s to present day.

            Lastly, I asked the artist/producer Armando Perez, to give an introspective of this album and what it meant to him creating it:

            “Journal of an Emotional Robot is an instrumental soundtrack to a storyboard. In it, the protagonist is a robot named MEL. He is comparable to a WALL-E type of character, but this "audio journal" follows his creation/construction and details his life within the song titles, and the musical accompaniment. He is created, programmed, and set out into the world. His experiences lead him to discover life, make friends, party, fall in love, and ultimately learn (A.I.). He realizes he's been programmed and that he is one of four identical robots! Confused and outraged, he comes to a point where he has to make a choice. Rebel, follow, or make his own way.”

The Single Helix, Journal of an Emotional Robot

Artist/Producer; Armando Perez

Facebook: The Single Helix

Myspace: www.myspace.com/thesinglehelix

Next Album: March 25th  Odd Czar