*All songs written by Fluid *All songs produced by Fluid and Jeanot Lewis-Rolland except "Whose Side Are You On?" *"Whose Side Are You On?" produced by Page Hamilton *All songs mastered at Sky Onion Mastering by Gus Elg *Artwork concept and album layout by Rev. J. S. Reese (aka Mr. H. Jerk) *Artwork by Brian Keeble ALBUM REVIEW FROM IVORY MAGAZINE: http://www.ivoryharp.com/2013/04/band-review-fluid-progressive-rock-from-southern-oregon Northwest’s most missed band, FLUID is back with a release that speaks for itself and reminds us why it was worth waiting. Self proclaimed by the band is the idea that they were simply preparing and gathering supplies for the coming zombie apocalypse for the past ten years. Disappointed in the lack of undead outbreaks, the band came together to complete its album in the long time making, Total Eclipse of the Son. Implying the brash idea of upstaging Christ himself with a more interesting story, the dramatic themed music that they have always been known for is back and in top form. For the uninitiated, Fluid blends rock and metal with an atmospheric quality which adds an ambient feel to the more mellow portions of the song and depth to the high powered builds and drops. In other words, the music is interesting. The listener is taken on a journey through each song with enough dynamic events to keep even the most ADD of ears happy. The music is hard to compare to other bands. Most often I’ve heard comparisons to TOOL from the music of Fluid’s past. These new songs however stray from that notion. I hear elements of Chevelle, Mudvayne, Trapt and more. Including some very mellow and touchingly beautiful diversions, these tracks have a lot to offer. As a fan of Fluid back in the hayday of the band, I was excited to receive the opportunity to review new material. Instantly a stand out to me was how far the vocalist has come. The new songs have very enjoyable vocal work that fits the music well and seems to compliment the open spaces provided by the rest of the band. These tracks have great guitar tone and mixing and have a polished sound that compliments the band well. Fluid is sure to capture new and old fans alike with this release. The song Emotion is a solid 90′s rock song with a whole lot of technicality added which makes it seem modern now. Psychedelic inspired interludes and exits paint a very Pink Floyd feel to this track. One of my favorite songs of this release. “The Sun is Coming/Sondown” continues the trippy old sci-fi radio vibe with its extended intro featuring cryptic messages of impending doom. The guitar work in this song begins with a riff which reminds me of stabbing westward, but quickly changes into something far more progressive. Excellent drum work on this tune in particular and again great vocals to finish out a very clean and powerful tune. Fluid is known for their progressive flair to their song structure and this latest release doesn’t disappoint in this area. “Manic” another favorite of mine showcases some tricky technical bass playing skills and builds very slowly into something of a keyboard heavy slow burner of a song culminating in some very intense chorus vocals with even more cryptic meaning. This leaves the listener diggin’ deep to try and discover the meaning behind what isn’t said. “Whose Side Are You On” features a guest spot by Page Hamilton from one of my favorite bands of all time, Helmet. A very nice contrast at the end of the album. This song has a couple cool guitar moments that remind me of Rammstein. As a long time fan I am not even a little bit disappointed here. All things I loved about the old Fluid are represented and it is clear their music has progressed. To me this album delivers solid tunes with great musicianship and hauntingly written vocals that leave something to the imagination. A very solid release for those looking for a little bit more depth to their rock. ALBUM REVIEW FROM WORDKRAPHT ONLINE: http://wordkrapht.com/main/2013/04/17/fluid-total-eclipse-of-the-son Metal bands and metal fans all have one thing in common. They are the most dedicated of any genre. Most of them won’t even give another style a try, unless the metal community is attacked. They stand up for each other like a brotherhood of Hells Angels. You ask one metal head the first time they heard their favorite band, and they can give you a very descriptive story describing every minute detail of every note played and how they felt at that moment. This is going to be one of those moments for a fan somewhere. Fluid is a band that is exactly that, fluid. They were a band that was, then wasn’t, and now are ready to lay down their mark on the metal scene in a very unique way. They are releasing their new album, that some of them began creating back in 1999. Total Eclipse of the Son is an album that has been in the making for many many years. Finally seeing the light of day in 2013, the album shows heart, passion, and most importantly…blood, sweat, and tears. With songs like “The End is Coming,” “Sondown” and “Manic,” Fluid showcases some amazing songwriting along with great musicianship. I would think that being it’s been in the making for so long, that most of the songs would sound dated, but it doesn’t. Every song on the album sounds as modern as any song out there today. “Whose Side Are You On?” is one of those songs that could easily be played on today’s modern metal radio stations. Not to mention the special guest appearance by Helmet front man Page Hamilton. That just adds to the awesomeness of the song. But honestly, even if it didn’t have a piece of Helmet in it, it would still be great song. Metal isn’t for everyone, but for those who listen to it will appreciate what Fluid is trying to achieve. If you’re a fan of Tool or A Perfect Circle, you will absolutely love them. The musicianship alone throughout the album will catch anyone’s attention. The emotional vocals, the rhythmic backbone that today’s mainstreamers couldn’t even come close to in intensity, Fluid will grab your attention. Whether they keep it is up to you.