One of the finest voices in progressive metal/rock – Mr. Ian Parry – has released a most impressive solo album.
It’s in a similar vein to his Consortium Project albums and features many of the superb list of musicians involved with Ian throughout his career – such as Patrick Rondat, Barend Courbois, Stephen Lil, Casey Grillo, Timo Somers and others.
I’ve been somewhat “schooled” to learn that In Flagrante Delicto means “the very act of committing a crime” – in this case it refers to the plastic/toxic waste and the effect on the plant. So in some way Ian’s gone eco-warrior and deals with the issue in his own way via his words and music here.
The album is indeed first class progressive/melodic rock with Ian singing up a storm. The musicianship is also first class as one would expect given the names involved.
The short “chopping” riffs a-la Consortium Project, blazing solos form the likes of Rondat, Lil and Lil, fantastic drums from Grillo and Imre Daun and solid bass from Courbois.
Special mention for Jeron Van Der Wiel on the synths/keys too. His work fits in seamlessly and the interplay with the guitars is faultless. He gets to stretch out on his own here and there too, which is similarly impressive.
Spaceman sets us off with a monster hook amongs the clipped, punchy riff. Travellers continues the theme with yet more fine proggy rock and hooks. Then the title track comes in with an even more monster hook, thoughtful lyrics and Ian’s voice full on passion.
Fools Paradise, Implulse, Ingeniuos a trio of blazing songs with all the Parry trademarks, spectacular guitar work and those synths to the fore in the right places.
Wish goes back to Ian’s childhood in Liverpool and as the liner notes say he wanted Lil to “create something in a Foreigner/Van Halen style” – which he does with aplomb – and a commercial keyboard hook line on top from Van Der Wiel. Marvellous.
There’s nothing at all not to like anywhere here. The ten cuts are (forgive me a cliché) “all killer and no filler”. Top drawer progressive/melodic metal at its best.
>> GET IAN PARRY IN FLAGRANTE DELICTO FROM AMAZON HERE <<
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