Call this one a strong 3½ stars
Thomas R. Brown | Greenfield, Wisconsin United States | 02/07/2003
(3 out of 5 stars)
"One of the best Prog/Power bands never to emerge from obscurity, Scanner nevertheless continues to produce strong material.Rooting for this band is like being a Clippers or a Saints fan: you always feel it's their turn to shine, but somehow it never seems to come together. And that's really Scanner in a nutshell. The songs, while recognizably Metal in style, still maintain enough progressive elements to set the band on its own footing. While most bands who want the 'progressive' tab are busy producing 24-minute opuses to a literary genius, Scanner chooses the simpler road, relying instead on stylistic intangibles to lend originality to their songs.And so that brings me to their latest album, Scantropolis. I must admit, when I heard a female vocalist had been chosen, I was a bit disturbed. NOT BECAUSE SHE'S FEMALE--don't even go there! I'm the guy who LOVED Hellion and played guitar in a female-fronted Metal Band in the early 1990's. I was disturbed only because this is Scanner's 5th album, and I wasn't sure what to expect from a well-known "brand" like Scanner.After listening to the album, however, it began to make total sense. You see, each of Scanner's CDs are very different. That's one of the reasons Scanner fans are loyal. They know Axel & gang won't repeat themselves--or at least to a lesser degree than most others. Adding Lisa Croft to the band shifts Scanner once again into territory less-traveled. It's a nice change, and one that works well for a band that revels in changing their sound instead of abhorring it.As for the songs, Scantropolis proves once again the ability of this band to produce massively heavy tracks with the production values of a major studio--and all on a budget that probably wouldn't buy a luxury car in the States. Scanner have gravitated further & further away from their speed-metal roots with each passing release. Scantropolis, while still containing some double-bass madness, opts for groove more than speed. The soaring melodies that made Mental Reservation such an unheralded gem are still there, though. And the songs grow on you with each listen--a sure sign of depth.Croft's voice stays on top of the mayhem remarkably well; and it's on the choruses that she soars. I find her voice pleasing to the ear, blue-collar rather than operatic, rough at times but most often smooth.So why only 3 stars? Read the title--it's 3½. That's a favorable rating, and it definitely reflects that I LIKE THIS ALBUM. There are no "bad" elements in Scantropolis that make it a "3½" star album as opposed to a "4" or a "5." On the 5-star scale, an "average" CD would rank 2½ stars. That means Scantropolis is significantly better than average--1 star better, in fact (or 20%, if you like math). People are too quick to give out 4 and 5 star ratings for albums that really don't deserve it, MYSELF INCLUDED. But that's over now--at least for me.Alright, enough blabbing. Scantropolis is a worthy addition to the Scanner catalogue, a must for every Scanner fan, and a nice addition to any Metal fan's catalogue who likes slightly progressive music with no apologies. It is recommended."
Totally different Scanner... Not bad at all...!
Rodrigo Oliveira | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | 11/02/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Wow this is what I could call a different album. Despite the Maidenish song titles and the weird recordings of the drums, that
sometimes sound far and not heavy enough, this album is a good choice for open minded listeners. With prog touches and welcoming
Lisa Croft on vocals, Scantropolis represents a revolution for the late 80's power metal band Scanner.
1.Till The Ferryman Dies - a different opener, this song is not
that usual uptempo, fast-riffed song that metal bands love to put
as first track. Lisa Croft refreshes the look of Scanner right from this track, that contains a Mission Impossible bass line in its middle. The bridge and chorus are interesting. The "ferryman"
thing is a Maiden/Bruce explored term, but well used by Scanner.
2.Hallowed Be My Name - er....This title...Maiden? Hehe but this
track is far from being Maiden-like song and is the heaviest song
of the abum with a slow , catchy chorus.
3.Flight Of The Eagle - great chorus and heavy riff are enough to make this song worth of being on the album.
4.Turn Of The Tide - one of the best songs, this is a killer. Lisa starts singing with effects on her voice, then as the drums
come she sings one of the most beautiful bridges to be heard that
leads to a great chorus. Everything seems to work perfectly here.
Highlight goes also for the keyboards that fit very well.
5.Always Alien - beautiful chorus. This was the first song I heard and caused the the shock when a female voice came hehe. But
this track is a winner, calm but competent, it brings us a prog atmosphere and ends with great drums and a inteligent guitar work
that is well done by Axel Julius. A beautiful track indeed.
6.Engel Brecht's - this track is sung in German. The chorus may
remember us of Therion songs. it is a very different track, very original. That one rocks.
7.Sister Mary - once again Lisa Croft brings us nice vocal lines
and this fast, good mooded song is another ace from Scanner. Therhythm and melodies are simply awesome here.
8.The Gambler - the clear voice of Lisa stunned me here. The atmosphere of this song opens a wide hall for her voice to flow very well. A quiet track, you can enjoy it over and over.
9.Rest In Pain - nice riff and chorus. A great track to end what
is one of the most original, different releases a metal band ever
tried to create. This song could even be longer.
10.Live song - if Lisa really sings that way on stage... She is the hell of a singer! Perfect vocals and sound here!"
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1
