3 Title: Revisions Label: Metal Blade Records Year: 2009 Rating: 4 / 5

Progressive indie rock heroes, 3, are back with a brand spankin’ new album that further cements their place in the world of rock. Keeping the precision and the progression intact by adding more hooks and catchy vocals, 3’s latest is an extension of sorts of their previous, which is equally as good as this one. Focusing on melodies through well-thought arrangements and songwriting, 3’s Revisions is a majestic piece of record that raises the standards and definitely stands on it’s own two feet. Sounding like a throw back to the classic rock era with a modern progressive rock twist, 3 have seamlessly crafted a record that lives up to their musical dexterity, ability and coherence. The record boasts eleven freshly baked tracks, all of which have different characteristics and overtones, that simply spell out original with the capital O. The band’s persistent experimentations with their sound cast them aside from the rest to their advantage as the band completely disregards all musical trends and goes with their guts to much success. Most of the tracks are pretty prime but “The Better Half Of Me,” “Why,” “Lexicon Of Extremism,” “You’ve Been Shot,” “Halloween,” and “The Game” are a few of the tracks that really get under your skin. Lead single “Rabid Animals” is clearly the best track on the record though where the band really lets their creative tentacles loose. The sum of all parts intertwine really well for most of the record therefore making for one damned good listen. Vocalist/Songwriter Joey Eppard has done an outstanding job piecing the puzzles together to make this record undoubtedly the band’s best effort to date. The unique sense of passion, spiritual nature and subtle virtuosity of the band is clearly depicted with undying conviction and drive on this record. It’s no wonder that a band like 3 can share the stage with some of metal’s most powerful bands such as Opeth, All That Remains, 36 Crazyfists , Scorpions, The Dillinger Escape Plan and Dream Theater while also treading the stages with some of today’s hottest groups such as Coheed And Cambria, The Bronx, Porcupine Tree, Atreyu and Between The Buried And Me. Hands down, Revisions is one hell of an album. It bridges gaps between the worlds of progressive rock, indie, metal, and experimental to much success with the vibe of being contrived or tired. This album needs to be heard so pick up your copy and get in the groove. This one is Frantik approved!

By: Gian Erguiza