Nappaland's MusicBlog

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THE ALCHEMY INDEX VOLS 1 & 2 FIRE AND WATER

Thrice / Vagrant Records

Fan Appeal: Teens and up

Genre: Hard Rock / Alternative

The Alchemy Index Vols. 1 and 2: Fire and Water is a unique experience that will keep the listener interested the whole way through, and leave you wanting more once it’s over.

This intriguing two-EP set is the start of a whole four-volume epic that refers to the four elements: earth, wind, fire, and water. The Fire disc is one of hard-rocking mayhem similar to Norma Jean or UnderOath. The Water disc is the complete opposite with beautiful tones and ethereal quiet vocals that could be compared to Radiohead. The best song off of the Fire disc is the opener “Firebreather.” It’s about freedom and those who have died for what they believed. The best song off of the Water disc is definitely “Digital Sea.” This song is a song questioning how it is that life could be so messed up and how it gets that way.

The worst part about this album is the fact that it ends. There is so much emotion evoked through the songs that it leaves the listener sad to have it finished. Also, if you are looking for an album similar to Thrice’s older works, this could be a little disappointing to you since their sound has changed so much for this album, especially the Water disc.

Overall, this is one of the best and most beautiful albums I’ve heard in a long time.

MUSICBLOG RATING: A+

If members of your family like this CD, then you may want to try…

-Vheissu, Thirce, Rock. This powerful album is a hard-rockin’ good time.

-Define the Great Line, UnderOath, Metal. This album combines edgy vocals and eccentric music in a wonderful rock effort.

-Hail to the Thief, Radiohead, Alternative. A very melodic album with powerful vocals and full of emotion.

--TN