Vital Breath’s Duality
By SethM
Before listening to Duality, I watched their video for “Stand Alone” and really wasn’t moved one way or the other. I mean, I thought it was just OK ~ but it did inspire me to give Duality a full listen.
Something about this band/album was intriguing and likable. Hailing from Lyon, France and featuring Francois Brisk (drums), Sylvain De Nicola (guitar), Christophe Babin (bass) and Jerome Ponsolle (vocals, guitar), Vital Breath are definitely worth checking out.
Self described as “an ingenious mix between metal, rock, pop and many other influences,” I’d agree that they cover the spectrum ~ and I’d add in that the spectrum includes jazz, new wave, R&B and more, making Vital Breath an interesting combination and, if you’ll forgive the pun, a breath of musical fresh air.
As I listened to Duality, I couldn’t help but think a bit about Dream Theatre ~ yet with a song like “The Best Ship Ever,” there were hints of Alice in Chains…and “Save my Soul” reminded me a little of Korn from a musical stand point. Vital Breath have the melodic sounds of a prog rock band but with heavier riffs more reminiscent of Jason Hook (Five Finger Death Punch) and Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society).
Vital Breath ~ Duality Track List
Modern Messiah
Bad School
Stand Alone
It’s Just a Dream
The Best Ship Ever
Save My Soul
A Place for You
Circus
Be Myself
The Same Sun
Eternity
With a running time of just over 41 minutes and 11 tracks, Vital Breath will keep you guessing as no two tracks sound identical and the band obviously embrace a lot of influences. I won’t guarantee that Vital Breath is going to rise to the top of your music rotation but I can say that if you’re open to checking out really solid new stuff, then give these guys a listen because you’ll probably enjoy them.