Titus is a Progressive Metal band from Gauteng, South Africa that formed back in 1997. Titus' music style can be compared to Progressive bands like Affector, The Neal Morse Band, Amaseffer, and Seven Horizons.
At 'Urban Dictionary' we find a good definition of Progressive Metal: Progressive Metal, or "Prog Metal" for short, is a sub genre of music that combines the almost Jazz-like progression of Progressive Rock and the aggression, volume, speed, and heaviness of Metal. Usually features band members who are incredibly skilled at their instruments. Features rapid key changes, odd time signatures, and bombastic instrumental sections. It could be defined as "intelligent metal".
Not long after the band's conception, Titus stepped into the studio and got to work on recording new material. Then, in 1997 Titus released an independent 4-track demo titled 'times flying-demo'. The track list for their 4-track demo includes 1.Time's Flying 2.Rotten Apple 3.Too Late When You're Dead 4.Pharoah's Tomb.
Over the next 4 years, the band continued to record and produce material for a future full-length debut album.
Over the next 4 years, the band continued to record and produce material for a future full-length debut album.
In 2001 Titus released their independent full-length debut studio album simply titled 'Fade'. The album was recorded, Mixed, and Mastered by producer-John Paul Destafani. Additional production and Arrangements by the members of Titus. The album's cover art & graphics were managed by both Mike Massyn and Peter Coghlan.
'Fade' was the one and only full'-length album that Titus ever realized. The album's production quality is not bad considering the date of release and the fact that it is an indie recording.
Vocalist-Benjamin Carrancho doesn't have the strongest of deliveries, but with that said, it seems that this is a common factor within the Progressive Metal/Rock genre. However, their are a few moments where Benjamin changes over to a heavier vocal style mixing things up a bit. The guitar section is presented from a duo approach by guitarist-Benjamin Carrancho & guitarist-Jon Buckley. From beginning to end, Benjamin & Jon take the listener on a musical journey with plenty of surprises around every corner. Bassist-Julian Anthony's bass work makes its presence known while drummer-Luis Cordeiro does a good job of keeping time for the band.
In any Progressive outfit, you are going to find that the keyboards play an important part in creating atmosphere. With that said, Titus is no exception to the rule, Enoque Carrancho manages the keys for the band creating atmosphere along the way with all the right touches at all the right moments.
'Fade' was the one and only full'-length album that Titus ever realized. The album's production quality is not bad considering the date of release and the fact that it is an indie recording.
Vocalist-Benjamin Carrancho doesn't have the strongest of deliveries, but with that said, it seems that this is a common factor within the Progressive Metal/Rock genre. However, their are a few moments where Benjamin changes over to a heavier vocal style mixing things up a bit. The guitar section is presented from a duo approach by guitarist-Benjamin Carrancho & guitarist-Jon Buckley. From beginning to end, Benjamin & Jon take the listener on a musical journey with plenty of surprises around every corner. Bassist-Julian Anthony's bass work makes its presence known while drummer-Luis Cordeiro does a good job of keeping time for the band.
In any Progressive outfit, you are going to find that the keyboards play an important part in creating atmosphere. With that said, Titus is no exception to the rule, Enoque Carrancho manages the keys for the band creating atmosphere along the way with all the right touches at all the right moments.
At first glance, with only 6-tracks listed, one could easily dismiss this release as being an EP recording. However, Track-6 "The Chronicle" is comprised of 8 different parts divided up as (Parts I - VIII). The track list for 'Fade' includes track-1 "Breath of Life", track-2 "Myself Denied", track-3 "Litany", track-4 "In My Secret World", track-5 "Fade", track-6 "The Chronicle" which includes "Part I - One Moment in Time", "Part II - Birth", "Part III - Life", "Part IV - Autumn", "Part V - Death", "Part VI - Resurrection of Life", "Part VII - Messiah", "Part VIII - One Moment in Time (Reprise)". With the addition of (Parts I - VIII), the album has a total running time of 1 hour & 11 minutes easily qualifying it as a full-length release.
Lyrics are Christ centered and evangelical as one can see in the following excerpts:
"Breath of Life"
Calling Him Master, Messiah and friend
Receiving His love and peace, that will not end
Inspired creation, the death on the cross
Spilling His blood for you, with no thought of cost
"Myself Denied"
Is there still a voice which tells us to do right
Or is the wrong accepted?
Is repentance still a word, going to hell still heard?
Does God exist in the church or is money lord of getting rich
What ever happened to I'll kiss this world goodbye
Or will you live forever, forever till you die
You'll never see forever only in torment and anger
Nothing gained will ever last
"In My Secret World"
In my secret world I find all that I'm looking for
In the secret place beyond the last past hidden door
Like the sand through the hourglass my life's beyond control
I've been bought by blood - the ransom paid for my own soul
Reach out – in my secret world
Reach out – in my secret world
"Fade"
Upon the Cross I chose to die
Without a thought, a reason why
I gave up everything for you, what could I do?
I'd leave the ninety-nine for one
With ransomed blood I sent my Son
The tears I weep are just for you, will you come too?
"Birth"
One moment in time, one reason, one rhyme
One life before death, at the very first breath
Only one chance to live, only one chance to give
Only one way to say you were born by His Name
Don't turn out the light – don't turn from the fight
Don't forget miracles are a part of His will
"Life"
Life is worth all to me
Through the darkness I see
Life has meaning in You and only You
Without purpose Life dies
Through these cold desperate eyes
Life has meaning in You – all I see all I do
If I can't be one with You in a world with nothing true
If the light burns all I do what's the meaning?
He has died that you might live given all that He could give
All He lost so you might have the true meaning
Calling Him Master, Messiah and friend
Receiving His love and peace, that will not end
Inspired creation, the death on the cross
Spilling His blood for you, with no thought of cost
"Myself Denied"
Is there still a voice which tells us to do right
Or is the wrong accepted?
Is repentance still a word, going to hell still heard?
Does God exist in the church or is money lord of getting rich
What ever happened to I'll kiss this world goodbye
Or will you live forever, forever till you die
You'll never see forever only in torment and anger
Nothing gained will ever last
"In My Secret World"
In my secret world I find all that I'm looking for
In the secret place beyond the last past hidden door
Like the sand through the hourglass my life's beyond control
I've been bought by blood - the ransom paid for my own soul
Reach out – in my secret world
Reach out – in my secret world
"Fade"
Upon the Cross I chose to die
Without a thought, a reason why
I gave up everything for you, what could I do?
I'd leave the ninety-nine for one
With ransomed blood I sent my Son
The tears I weep are just for you, will you come too?
"Birth"
One moment in time, one reason, one rhyme
One life before death, at the very first breath
Only one chance to live, only one chance to give
Only one way to say you were born by His Name
Don't turn out the light – don't turn from the fight
Don't forget miracles are a part of His will
"Life"
Life is worth all to me
Through the darkness I see
Life has meaning in You and only You
Without purpose Life dies
Through these cold desperate eyes
Life has meaning in You – all I see all I do
If I can't be one with You in a world with nothing true
If the light burns all I do what's the meaning?
He has died that you might live given all that He could give
All He lost so you might have the true meaning
Titus is for fans of bands like Affector, The Neal Morse Band, Dream Theater, Amaseffer, and Seven Horizons. If you are looking to add some Progressive Metal to your collection then take into consideration what Titus has brought to the table with their debut album 'Fade'.
Musicians:
Benjamin Carrancho - Vocals, Guitars
Jon Buckley - Guitars
Julian Anthony - Bass, Vocals
Enoque Carrancho - Keyboards
Luis Cordeiro - Drums
Benjamin Carrancho - Vocals, Guitars
Jon Buckley - Guitars
Julian Anthony - Bass, Vocals
Enoque Carrancho - Keyboards
Luis Cordeiro - Drums