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TOPSY TURVY
The Apex Theory
(Dreamworks)
"Great guitar" is not usually mentioned when discussing the latest angst-metal band. This is a refreshing exception.
Guitarist Art Karamian's incredible virtuosity and imagination is precisely what sets this L.A. band apart from all the screaming and the rapping and the raging and the complaining heard so much in this genre. The exotic diversity and pace of musicianship here is a pleasure in itself. This guy makes Eddie Van Halen look like a piker.
Lots of interesting B-sections, electronic elements and odd time signatures break up the usual soft-verse-loud-chorus approach and give the whole thing a "Puddle of Rush" feel. Vocalist Andy Khachaturian's manic blend of rapping and singing - on lyrics that range from probing and dark to totally senseless - owes something to fellow Armenian Serj Tankian from the like-minded metal band System of a Down. In practice, the Apex Theory is another ray of hope for the future of progressive rock.
Have we done a story on the Armenian Invasion yet? Just one more band and it's a trend.
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