Puppet Arms
Illusions

May 2010
Released: 2010, Self released
Rating: 1.5/5
Reviewer: Theis Rytoft

Having a nice case with fitting and creative illustrations showing a puppeteer, his puppets and some other individuals, maybe being his audience, ILLUSION from Danish band Puppet Arms lays a good foundation for their music. Unfortunately the cover predicts something fiercer than the band is actually playing which is a wide blend of melodic, progressive and rock elements.



The first track “Therapy” features a comfortable slow intro consisting of 20 seconds and continues to a part heavily covered with more impact by all instruments as well as a shout from the vocalist! From here the track shifts and changes between mid-slow paced parts with especially appealing vocals which is often seen in power metal, just with a bit more light expression. “Therapy” is absolutely the best track on ILLUSION since it is so diverse instrumentally and really shows the band’s skills.



Bearing “Therapy” in mind, the rest of the album does not reach the same clouds as it does. It still has interesting musical compositions and a good though too repetitive and non-exciting vocals. Especially “These Memories are an Illusion” is completely illusionary just as the lyrics are about “illusions”. Track 3 “Sleep with the Lights On” gives me some nice drumming parts but I really find the vocals tedious here. Both “Criticism” and “Go Alone” are tracks which I cannot recommend anyone to listen to. I feel it would dishonour bands whose music is incredible!



In the end I am quite unsure how to actually grade Puppet Arms and their EP release ILLUSION because it is rock and not metal. I myself cannot see many convincing and attractive aspects looking at the release from both a metal- or rock perspective but somehow the band has an interesting musical output anyway, and I think that people listening more to rock than myself will benefit a lot more from this release. Maybe even getting excited.