Metal Reviews

NovAct - Tales From The Soul (To Those Who Understand)
Progressive metal
Quoted: 88 / 100

NOVACT - TALES FROM THE SOUL (Progressive Rock/Metal)) - 95 / 100



Ken Golden is the man! For those unaware, he is the owner of three separate labels under one roof. The Laser’s Edge focuses on progressive rock (White Willow, A Triggering Myth, Wobbler), Sensory is for progressive metal (Zero Hour, Redemption, Wastefall) and Free Electric Sound is set aside for progressive fusion (At War With Self). I praise him solely because everything I’ve heard from either label has been excellent. Ken Golden knows good prog when he hears it, and he doesn’t simply go for bands that sound the same. He often signs bands that offer something a bit different within the prog field. Behind The Curtain for example, sounds like no other prog band I’ve heard before. The same can be said about A Triggering Myth and even Wobbler, to an extent. Even if similarities exist, such as with Zero Hour and the upcoming Twisted Into Form, the music is always killer. Recently I came upon novAct, a prog-rock/metal outfit out of the Netherlands. I ordered Tales From The Soul shortly thereafter and it’s been in heavy rotation for the past two months.

The band formed in 2001 under the name Morgana-X. They released a three song live rehearsal demo, then a follow-up promo EP called Misunderstood—which Roy (guitars) kindly sent me; thanks, dude!. They then changed their named to novAct, showcased two tracks on a split compilation called Arnhem Trolleymetaal, and finally in 2005 released this, their first full-length, Tales From The Soul.

“Sharply Condemned” kicks things off with a heavy, driving riff, melodic bridges and a lush, heavy prog-rock tapestry coolly painted by Eddy Borremans’s outstanding vocals. Truly, it’s only when vocalist Eddy Borremans begins to sing that you realize there is something special about novAct. To say that Borremans is a unique vocalist in the rock/metal world is almost an understatement. I’ve read that he compares to Queensrÿche’s Geoff Tate, Pain Of Salvation’s Daniel Gildenlow, and Andy Kuntz from Vanden Plas and Abydos, among others. None are accurate, if you ask me. If I had to pinpoint a similarity in vocal style it would a heavier version of Roland Gift of the Fine Young Cannibals—gasp!—and the clean tones of the legendary Otis Redding. Maybe this isn’t the sort of thing a metal fan wants to hear, but that’s what I hear.

Tales From The Soul is, simply put, an amazing album. From progressive rock/metal anthems like “Hope And Fear,” the Jeff Buckley tribute “The Eternal,” “Path Of Daggers” and the heaviest track on the album, “The Rider,” to the more melodic songs like the goth-influenced “Flower,” it is clear novAct rival the greatest prog-rock/metal bands out there today. The slight gothic touches reminiscent of To/Die/For adds yet another dynamic that makes this band stand out from the pack. The interwoven guitars and keyboards create space for Borremans’s stunning vocals; the solo work is precise and fits perfectly, beautifully. The bass and drum work don’t go on any proggy tantrums, but they hold it all together, creating a solid foundation for the stars of the show: the guitars, keyboards and vocals.

Everything about this album is brilliant. From the music to the production, lyrics and artwork; it’s all outstanding. I’ve had this album for quite a while now, I’ve listened to it virtually every day since and its quality has not diminished yet, it sparkles brighter after each listen. Not only is this one of the best prog-rock/metal albums I’ve ever heard, its undoubtedly one of the best albums I’ve ever heard overall. Nothing more needs to be said. Ken Golden couldn’t have a more appropriate last name (clearly his first name is great, too), novAct and Tales From The Soul are both simply that: Golden.

MP3: The Rider, Eternal Life (different version taken from the Morgana-X Misunderstood promo) and novAct on MySpace

VIDEO: Sharply Condemned (Live) and The Rider (Live)

Note: In time these links will likely becoming outdated.

Checked out some of those samples, and this is a really incredible band...Dream Theater is my favorite band, so there's no doubt that I'd at least LIKE these guys, but this stuff is great. I'm loving the singer, and although I would appreciate a little more technicality that's not really a big deal. But, I'm broke right now and have a ton of other CD's I want to buy...bleh.

He doesn't show off an amazing range on this album. That's not to say he can't, he just doesn't here. But he doesn't need to. What you do get is a very unique and emotional performance and I don't think this album would be as good with a more standard vocalist.

I know it's odd to compare him to the dude who sang "She Drives Me Crazy" and "Good Thing," but Roland Gift, while in a band I don't like one bit (Fine Young Cannibals), is a great vocalist. The thing with Borremans is that he's got more R&B than metal in his vocals. It's an awesome contrast that works perfectly on this album.

Sorry, the way I wrote it it looks like I was talking about technicality of the vocals, but I was writing about the instruments. There's not a whole lot of soloing, complex guitar parts, or off-beat drumming, but the music is very well-written so this doesn't really detract from it. At least, I don't hear a whole lot of incredible mucisianship, but then again since I'm pretty new to metal I don't always know great musicianship when I hear it...not only that, but I can't explain WHY a band is good, or bad for that matter.

From the review it sounds as if a complete prog fan like myself had to definitely try this band. I will do it.

A side comment: I think it is funny how on almost every prog metal review first thing is to say if the band is a DT clone or not. And what is meant to be cloned is the Images and Words album. Prog metal bands nowadays have tons of different things and sounds to offer, As some sound very similar in style. And I dont think it is bad to have a similiar sound as long as the work is good.
Personally I think Dalis Dilemma has a similar sound, and I just worship their only work to date: manifesto for futurism.

These guys seem good, I'll check them out even though all I can tell about them is that the singer has a great voice and they aren't as technical as most prog bands .

PS. Way to go Ken.

PPS. I'd say I prefer a good song over a wankfest but Psyopus are one of my favourite bands so it mostly depends on my mood I guess

Still, a damn good band that you'd likely dig. Then again, you seem to like one band that would make it seem like you should like another when you don't, so I have no idea if you'd like this or not.

But a wankfest and a good wankfest are very different.

that's generally because there's only a certain amount I can take of each genre/musical style, and I'm weird.


and if you wank too much its never good!

I think what I don't like about a lot of Dream Theaterish prog bands is that they aspire to be so much more than a group of people showing off how awesome they are with their instruments, when they really aren't. I'd really just love to hear them go nuts on their instruments for 40 minutes without an attempt at songwriting or the like.