A(Ace)’s Latest Album Tells a Grand Tale

Sometimes there are bands who continue to defy expectations release after release. Judging by Tales for the Abyss, A(Ace) may well be one of them. A band’s second album is renowned to be difficult, and has caught one too many bands out in the past however this does not apply with A(Ace)’s second album. If anything, they have advanced on the Black & White Album, if possible, and come up with something which may yet become album of the year. Throughout Tales for the Abyss, the Pirate theme that is A(Ace) pervades with such cutely comic titles such as “Reel of Fortune,” and  “Ship FRIEND OF MINE” without turning to parody that would detract from the release.

From the outset, this album grabs hold and refuses to let go, opening with the attention-demanding heavy piano notes and urgent choral chants of the blistering single “Night of the Knights.”  This is swiftly followed by “NUDE,”  one of the band’s earliest single releases. The interplay of violin and storming rock riffs that have become a trademark of A(Ace)’s work is shown off impeccably. It has the feel of an anime song (which it could and should have been) which rattles along with a pacy rhythm and Nimo’s clean, powerful vocals.

The introduction of “Haiiro no Tenshi” (Ash Coloured Angel) slows the pace down with a stunning if formulaic ballad. The verses, however, have a wonderful sense of intimacy as Nimo sings in faltering whispery tones as he tells the sad story enhanced by subtle use of Rookie Fiddler’s melancholic, lilting strings. However pretty, it still pales in comparison to the reworking of “Abyss” as a piano version which is exclusive to the A and B limited editions. Nimo sings alone to the piano, his clear vocals soaring with passion and emotion. Nestled between the more bombastic “LOVELESS” and “Black Butterfly,” it provides a gentle and measured balance to the whole.

The combination of “LOVELESS” and “Black Butterfly,” together with “Abyss,” stands out as the strongest part of the album. There is nothing here that won’t make you press ‘repeat’ on the iPod. “LOVELESS” brings back the choral voices then merges them with some cyber electronica and then frantic violin. Toshi’s bass comes to the fore with strong notes driving the melody forward but it isn’t until the chorus that shivers will run down your back as Nimo cries out, “The embrace of God in loveless world!” “Black Butterfly” similarly astounds with chugging riffs reminiscent of Metallica that grow into a powerful, driving piece. Nimo’s vocals are soaked in menace and remain distant in the darkly sinister verses until the soaring chorus of “We can fly like a Black Butterfly.” It has more than a hint of 80s metal to the guitars and is compulsively addictive.

It is interesting to note in considering all the styles and elements at play that the entire album was written by Rookie Fiddler. Yet despite such variety, each song is grounded in A(Ace)’s voice and while experimenting, the album maintains their personality for a cohesive result.

Tales for the Abyss does run a little from the sublime to the ridiculous though, with that outstanding and subtle piano version of “Abyss” sharing the same jacket as the brilliantly weird “Shangri-la” which varies from cod-opera to a merry Gaelic tune to fairground music and back again.

Much of A(Ace) seems implausible in this way yet there is only disappointment where it is felt A(Ace) are not pushing themselves. For example, in “Rhapsody in Black,” the introduction veers close to ripping off Gackt and the melody and vocals lack the usual oomph despite the interesting use of castanets. “Yoake no Anthem” (Dawn’s Anthem) is also a bit too formulaic, albeit a high standard of that formula.

After such high points, it is a shame that after the instrumental “Reel of Fortune,” the album falls a little flat.  While “Reel of Fortune,” is a great tribute to the Pirate theme, opening on vocals that seem to call out to the sea before rattling into a prog-ish piece with Gaelic inspiration, driving guitar solo and some Spanish flair, the final two of “Ship “FRIEND OF MINE” and “Nu World”do not quite meet expectations. “Ship “FRIEND OF MINE” should have been the big finale, but while competent, it verges on cheesy sentimentality.

That A(Ace) have slipped up so little on their second album proves they are set to rise higher and higher, something their European tour this year will surely cement. Time to jump on the good ship A(Ace) now me hearties!

This review refers to the limited A&B versions

Limited Edition A – 13 track CD plus DVD (music video collection)

Limited Edition B – 13 track CD plus DVD (live concert recording)

Track list

1. Night Of The Knights
2. NUDE
3. Haiiro no tenshi
4. Rhapsody in Black
5. LOVELESS
6. Abyss(Piano version)
7. Black Butterfly
8. Yoake no Anthem
9. Shangri-la
10. Reel of Fortune(Instrumental)
11. NU WORLD
12. Ship”FRIEND OF MINE”
13. (Bonus Track)

Regular Edition – 14 track CD

Track list

1. Muabansou violin no tame no yami no partita (Darkness Partita for Solo Violin)
2. Night Of The Knights
3. NUDE
4. Haiiro no tenshi
5. Rhapsody in Black
6. LOVELESS
7. Abyss
8. Black Butterfly
9. Yoake no Anthem
10. Shangri-la
11. Reel of Fortune(Instrumental)
12. NU WORLD
13. Ship “FRIEND OF MINE”
14. Mubansou violin no tame no hikari no partita (Light Partita for Solo Violin)