"This quality won't come again Completely overwhelmed with nothing"
Finally a review from this year! I quite honestly can't tell you exactly how I started listening to OSI (acronym for Office of Strategic Influence - named after the American government agency that did exist briefly in 2001). But I found my way there somehow, listening to 2009's Blood, and I have been a fan since. Composed of Kevin Moore (ex-Dream Theater, current Chroma Key/solo) on vocals and keyboards and Jim Matheos (of Fates Warning) on guitars and keyboards. They also have someone filling in on drums, in the case of Blood and Fire Make Thunder, Gavin Harrison of Porcupine Tree. Additionally, we hear guest vocals on some of their previous releases (Steven Wilson, Mikael Akerfeldt to name a couple). Talking about OSI becomes a little bit like naming the who's who of current progressive (metal) music. However, Moore and Matheos remain the only two official members, and there are no guests (save Harrison) on this current release. To me, this duo is a great combination, they fit together well and clearly know what they're doing. And here, the tradition didn't end with Fire Make Thunder.
The album opens with the track 'Cold Call'. The entire song is laid over a false alarm radio broadcast of an imminent national emergency warning (an accidental initiation of the Emergency Broadcast System in Fort Wayne, IN, here is the whole thing if you want to hear it sans song). First with just music over the broadcast, slowly building and layering until Moore's voice finally comes in at a whisper, then he starts to full on sing. Throughout the track you can still hear snippets of the broadcast, giving the feeling of an archival radio show intermixed with the song. The entire album flows well from one track to the next. Other stand out tracks for me were 'Wind Won't Howl' and the 10 minute 'Invisible Men' that closes the album, though the latter took some growing. Interestingly, this album didn't take very long to grow on me in general, I found something to love in it immediately. Perhaps this comes from the more practised approach of these two musicians.
Fire Make Thunder isn't a continuation of Blood, other than maybe the instrumental 'Enemy Prayer'. But none of the songs here would feel at home on Blood and vice versa. This is a step elsewhere, while still remaining at its core OSI. But that's not to say that you won't like this if you enjoyed Blood, or any other of their albums for that matter. However, as mentioned this album seems a lot more focused and relaxed than Blood. As if the duo/trio has found their proper footing.
The album continues with the use of the guitar, keyboard, and drums that make up OSI's sound. It does it well. Each instrument is clearly present, having both its moment to shine as well as showing it can be complementary in other situations. Additionally, its clear they can hold their own or work well with the vocal accompaniment.
One of the things that drew me into OSI was Moore's voice. (It's what also got me hooked on to his solo project, Chroma Key.) Though if asked if he's a talented vocalist in the traditional sense of range, power, etc., I don't know that I would necessarily say yes. But something in his voice conveys a cynical honesty that I just can't resist. His lyrical themes range from hard to interpret to political to personal. I find he is at his strongest when he is speaking of personal relationships, it seems to suit his voice. However this is more my particular preference. On Fire Make Thunder, the lyrics don't always grab me like they do on Blood and Free (2006). They aren't bad, but they aren't my favourite either. What Moore lacks a little lyrically on this album he will always make up for with his self-described "speak singing", it is a little as if he is talking to the listener. And I could listen to him talk all day.
In general, this is a really solid album and I've gotten a lot of plays out of it since purchasing. Being a fan of OSI this is a must have, it's a great addition to their catalogue. This is an excellent album of 2012. And I will always gladly and excitedly welcome new Moore & Matheos material!
