While the music is not only acting as a background for LaBrie it is easy to fall victim to this circle of thoughts. The song writing is not as ambitious as your Dream Theater album of choice but it is far from leftover material and fits its purpose well enough. No matter what this is an album where the listener's focus of attention will be the vocals and not the music itself.

James LaBrie is one of the truely talented vocalists in the metal genre, one of those lucky few who have been gifted with a personal and characteristic voice. Hard work and vocal coaches by all means but that is unfortunately not enough in order to reach the top of the mountain. James has climbed high and his hill may not have been as steep as it has been for many others less fortunate but in the end it doesn't matter. He is one of the best.

The collected experience from many years of fronting one of the most impressive bands on Earth has made LaBrie an artist who disposes over many different colors to paint his canvas with. Melancholy, sadness and rage are just a few of the emotions that are portrayed by his vocals. "Elements Of Persuasion" is a solid quality album and even if it doesn't reach the close to impossible Dream Theater standards it offers more than an hour of joy for the progressive music fan.

written by Vincent Eldefors

Playing time: 66.50