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Trusties: Untouchable
Trusties Untouchable CD Album Review

Trusties: Untouchable

Progressive Rock/Metal
4.0/5.0

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Sound Of Wood Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 28.12.2016

It's been sometime since we've heard from Finnish progressive rock band Trusties, seven years actually. Apparently they've been busy working on Untouchable, a concept album, a psychological thriller, about Arthur the Martyr, a seemingly normal kid planning a mass murder. The story take place not so much in normal reality but the fantasy world of the protagonist. See the story teaser at the end of the review and following the music video for more details.

Trusties Band Photo

Trusties

Suffice first to say: you're going to need the lyrics to follow the story. I found the whole concept a bit cryptic, and so not very accessible, even somewhat burdensome to follow. But I'm also guessing the enigmatic character of the story was a natural result of its development.

As for the music, Trusties continues to dabble in neo-classical progressive rock, yet stirring modern sounds from Dream Theater to System Of A Down to Pain Of Salvation. The core of the songs seem to revolve around the guitar structure which offers crisp and sharp riffage and solos. Actually when first spinning Untouchable, I found the Trusties' music, particularly in the first half, to be more heavy and harsh than with the previous album Human Wheel. I'll admit, I was a bit put off with the albums development. However, I think some of that early sound reflects the dark character of the story. Alternatively, the latter third of the album was much more interesting with Trusties juxtaposing lighter, almost melancholy moments, with the edgier darker side. Choral vocals inform the pleasant A Dream I Never Had, a song sounding like a heavier Ambrosia song. Both Return to the Surface of the Earth and Last Wish find Trusties favoring their neo-classical prog roots where melody and instrumental fusion guide the songs.

In the end, I found I liked Untouchable in parts rather than the sum of the whole. That doesn't make this a bad or flawed album, just simply one that didn't connect with me from beginning to end. Conversely, Untouchable is definitely a strong step forward for the band in songwriting and musical maturity. Hopefully we won't have to wait another seven years for the next album.

Trusties - Outside of Place and Time


Trusties Untouchable Story Teaser

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The Bottom Line

I found I liked Untouchable in parts rather than the sum of the whole. That doesn't make this a bad or flawed album, just simply one that didn't connect with me from beginning to end. Conversely, Untouchable is definitely a strong step forward for the band in songwriting and musical maturity.

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