REVIEW: FACTORY OF ART – Point of No Return EP

 

FACTORY OF ART – Point of No Return EP

AFM Records

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Roughly a year after their debut album "Grasp!!!" hit the scene in 1997, FACTORY OF ART were primed to deliver another sonic treat to the metal community. This EP, featuring three tracks - "The Point of No Return," "Crown of Creation," and "Silent Crying" - with a combined runtime of just over 14 minutes, represents the next chapter in their musical journey.

This release seamlessly extends the trajectory set by their debut. Essentially, the band continues to navigate the melodic progressive power metal genre, refusing to rest on their laurels. A closer listen reveals their deliberate focus on infusing more melody and emotional depth into their sound, all while maintaining a sense of accessibility. Their technical prowess shines, especially in the intricate solos and lead guitar work, adding a layer of complexity to each composition.

Much like their previous work, I couldn't help but detect their deep admiration for QUEENSRYCHE, yet they manage to tread the fine line between influence and imitation, retaining a distinct musical identity.

In conclusion, FACTORY OF ART's intention with this release was clear: to bring out the immediate, melodic, and atmospheric aspects of their sound, and they've done so admirably. Personally, I found this EP even more captivating than their debut, for the reasons mentioned. Regardless, it stands as a commendable offering in the realm of melodic metal, occasionally sprinkled with progressive metal nuances.

Nikolaos Parastatidis