Affector is a well seasoned “superband” consisting of Members from various bands. They are founded by German guitarist Daniel Fries and Dutch drummer Collin Leijenaar (Neal Morse & Dilemma). They are joined by Bass player Mike LePond (Symphony X) and vocalist Ted Leonard (Spock’s Beard/Enchant/Thought Chamber). Also, the Polish Orchestra Sinfonietta Consonus backed the band with some orchestrated movements. In addition, there are two of Dream Theater's very own keyboardists (Derek Sherinian and Jordan Rudess). Last but not least, Neal Morse (Transatlantic) plays keyboards on the album as well.
In 2012 Affector released their debut full-length album titled 'Harmagedon'on the Inside Out label. Affector is a Progressive Metal band with the tendency to go into long Jam sessions like a jam band would. They often come across as sounding a bit jazzy with their laid back approaches. To these ears, the band has a 70s meets 80s metal sound partly due to the use of organ sounds and guitar techniques throughout the album. Don’t let this keep you from checking them out because they incorporate enough newer elements to make this a quality album that can appeal to a broad group of listeners.
The voice of Ted Leonard, is smooth and fits perfectly with the progressive style music genre. A lot of times when people think of Metal music they think that the singer will be like Rob Rock or Rey Parra(Sacred Warrior) but that’s not the style vocalist that works best with every Metal genre especially with Progressive Metal. Normally we find vocalist, in the Progressive Metal genre, singing with more of a mid-range vocal delivery.
The guitar work by Daniel Fries is superb going from almost Power Metal to Bluesy guitar moments to straight out 80s style riffage but bringing it down a notch when Ted enters on vocals. The guitar work is very melodic with plenty of moments to shine as there are many instrumentals on this album.
The voice of Ted Leonard, is smooth and fits perfectly with the progressive style music genre. A lot of times when people think of Metal music they think that the singer will be like Rob Rock or Rey Parra(Sacred Warrior) but that’s not the style vocalist that works best with every Metal genre especially with Progressive Metal. Normally we find vocalist, in the Progressive Metal genre, singing with more of a mid-range vocal delivery.
The guitar work by Daniel Fries is superb going from almost Power Metal to Bluesy guitar moments to straight out 80s style riffage but bringing it down a notch when Ted enters on vocals. The guitar work is very melodic with plenty of moments to shine as there are many instrumentals on this album.
The lyrics are straight from the Bible with an emphasis on end times events.
Here are some lyrics to a couple of different songs:
Here are some lyrics to a couple of different songs:
"Salvation"
He was despised and rejected by men
A man of suffering and acquainted with disease
He was despised as one from whom men hide their face,
and we didn't respect him
Surely he has borne our sickness and carried our suffering
But he was pierced for our transgressions
He was crushed for our iniquities
The punishment that brought our peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed
"Harmagedon"
I saw the heaven opened, and behold a white horse
And who sat on it is called Faithful and True
In righteousness He judges and makes war
His eyes are a flame of fire, and many crowns on his head
A name which no one knows but he himself
His garment sprinkled with blood
His name is "The Word of God"
Hallelujah! Salvation, power and glory belong to our God,
for true and righteous are His judgments
"New Jerusalem"
I saw a new heaven and earth:
For the first heaven and earth have passed away
And the sea is no more
I saw the holy city
New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven
He was despised and rejected by men
A man of suffering and acquainted with disease
He was despised as one from whom men hide their face,
and we didn't respect him
Surely he has borne our sickness and carried our suffering
But he was pierced for our transgressions
He was crushed for our iniquities
The punishment that brought our peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed
"Harmagedon"
I saw the heaven opened, and behold a white horse
And who sat on it is called Faithful and True
In righteousness He judges and makes war
His eyes are a flame of fire, and many crowns on his head
A name which no one knows but he himself
His garment sprinkled with blood
His name is "The Word of God"
Hallelujah! Salvation, power and glory belong to our God,
for true and righteous are His judgments
"New Jerusalem"
I saw a new heaven and earth:
For the first heaven and earth have passed away
And the sea is no more
I saw the holy city
New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven
Affector comes highly recommended to those who like Guitar but with a laid back Jam band feel to it that also shreds.
Musicians:
Ted Leonard-Vocals
Daniel Fries-Guitars
Mike LePond-Bass
Collin Leijenaar-Drums
Musicians:
Ted Leonard-Vocals
Daniel Fries-Guitars
Mike LePond-Bass
Collin Leijenaar-Drums