ALL TOO HUMAN – Juggernaut

The ever versatile and always dynamic vocalist Gordon Tittsworth is back at the helm again with a new project for 2012. Tittsworth has an extraordinary resume, being essentially a singer for hire, with multiple bands such as Images of Eden, Dread The Forsaken, and Spiritus Mundi to name a few. This time around he has teamed up with the Progressive Metal stylings of All Too Human. This band has been around since 1998, and Juggernaut is their third full length album. Their music has often been compared to Dream Theater, Queensryche, and Rush; and this album is certainly no exception as it portrays all the intimate beauty of classic Prog Metal.

All Too Human is a four piece band consisting of original members Clint Wilson on guitar, Maurice Taylor on bass, and Chris Lucci on drums, in addition to Tittsworth’s vocals. The musical quality of this album is truly remarkable. These guys are very serious musicians with talent to surpass many of their contemporaries. Generally three musicians playing an acute Prog Metal style can end up being overwhelming, and lacking depth. However, nothing could be further from the truth. They put forth an exceptional effort to create a very big sound with minimal overhead.

There is a considerable emotional element to Juggernaut. It takes on an almost “Classic Rock” feel at times, like listening to an old Kansas record where it’s filled with passionate vocals surrounded with a big, creative sound. One track in particular which emphasizes this is “Cut Me”. This track starts out with a strong 90 second musical introduction and then segues into a laid-back, smooth vocal line, and turns into a very intense chorus. This track epitomizes what All Too Human is all about.

Being this is Tittsworth’s first album as vocalist for All Too Human, there is clearly good chemistry between him and guitarist Clint Wilson. Wilson plays a solid and heavy guitar riff on most of the tracks which plays well into the grit and passion of Tittsworth’s vocals. It should also be noted that drummer Chris Lucci puts forth a highly commendable and prominent effort. Lucci is an avid Neil Peart enthusiast, and it certainly shows in his playing style. With this album, the drumming plays a significant role in the highly energetic level of music.

One of the most enticing elements of this album is its vibrant quality. The album does not get stuck into using one main theme for the entire album; each track manages to carry on a life of its own. Additionally, the compositions are all written and produced extremely well. Juggernaut is a very serious album for a serious listener, there isn’t any fluff presented as every single note seemingly has an important purpose.