I am so excited about this CD. I've been waiting for a band like this to rear their heads from the grungy music scene that fans of progressive have been suffering through lately for some time now. So many bands claim to be "Progressive," and come up far short of that title. As a fan of such style, I am growing tired of the lightweight scene that has plagued fans like myself for some time now. It's like a dark cloud that burdens the music industry. Then along comes four guys from NY who call themselves "Ice Age." Finally, the storm clouds part.

This is such a complicated, intricate CD; it's difficult to summarize it with a few nice words. But if I were to try to use one term to describe it, it would be "unpredictable shred!" As you listen to ANY track, you'll find yourself thinking, "Wow, I wouldn't expect such a passage there." The time signature changes mixed with the feeling and flow changes are just amazing. They are very tastefully done. One moment you're hearing all out shred warfare between the keys and the guitar, and the next it's melodic bass lines complimenting strong vocals. The CD is an ever-evolving experience for your ears.

There are plenty of instrumentals here, and even a couple of classic Progressive-style mammoth songs. The first song on the CD, "Perpetual Child," is 10:29 long, the 10th song, "To Say Goodbye," clocks in at 11:31, and "Ice Age" is 11:08. All lengthy songs that Progressive Rock is known for. Perhaps my favorite song is the instrumental "Spare Chicken Parts." This song is like an out-of-control roller coaster. The only problem with the song is that it's under 10 minutes long, weighing in at a hair under 9:00! GIVE ME MORE CHICKEN PARTS!

Jimmy Pappas, the axe-master of Ice Age, is somebody to keep your eyes on. Pick up this CD and you can tell people in twenty years "I was listening to Pappas as early as Ice Age's first album." This guy is going to lay ground that shred-masters are going to have to follow. He's that kind of talent. I've been playing guitar myself for 20+ years, and while I'm no shred-master, I know one when I hear it. Pappas' playing is that of a mature performer, but his enthusiasm is that of a child who just learned how to walk. When listening to his playing, I get excited about "what he's gonna do next in this song." I recently had the pleasant experience of interviewing Jimmy via e-mail, and he is a really cool guy. Be sure to check out the exclusive interview here on the House of Shred.

The rest of the band is also great. They should all feel lucky that they have one another, with all their own talent, to compliment each other's playing. I must also mention that the voice here reminds me of Coverdale in his old Deep Purple days. Just a great, strong voice. But, if I had to pick one thing on this CD that I wasn't thrilled with, it would be that at times I wished the vocals would stop, so I could concentrate on the jamming music. You'd expect the music to lighten up a bit when there were vocals being sung, but for the most part, the music just keeps on attacking! Maybe there is such a thing as "too much shred"....

NAH!

Thank you, Ice Age, you've given me a large dose of SHRED!

Reviewed by Thingfish

Support our site! Order Ice Age's The Great Divide from