Non-Metal Reviews

Frostbite - Misdirected - Album Review - Progressive Rock from Bryne, Norway

Today we are featuring a promising progressive rock band, Frostbite, from Bryne, Norway, with, "Misdirected", their latest studio album.

Misdirected is the debut studio album of Frostbite, who started their careers with a single called Prosperity back in 2019. After listening to the album, watching the Perfect Storm music video, and taking a look into their socials, I am still positive about this band despite all the weaknesses I see in their case. Let me go into some details for you.

First of all, I don't think anybody would argue about the fact that they are a talented collective with a huge Dream Theater influence. I remember being a huge Dream Theater fan when I was back in high school, listening to their records all the time doesn't matter if I'm in school or at home, trying to play John Petrucci licks with my new Ibanez S electric guitar. They have been a massive influence in my musical development, opened doors for more innovative approaches such as Opeth, Ihsahn, and Mastodon. Misdirected has reminded me of this memory with its energy in general.

The album musically has an easy-listening approach in general. Songs are quite melodic with radio-friendly structures, have rich instrumentation with progressive rock origins. So many times I felt like I'm listening to an unpublished Dream Theater record.

Secondly, Frostbite is constantly working and investing in themselves, which is admirable. Good-looking young gentlemen who set a high bar for themselves in terms of music, and Misdirected is only their debut album. Frostbite simply deserves our respect for everything they have done in their careers so far.

On the other side of the coin, I must admit that there's more than one weakness I see in their careers. In my book, Frostbite has a bit too much Dream Theater in them, which creates confusion. Musically, Misdirected has the simpler version of Dream Theater in its origins, rather than the technicality, offers more radio-friendly and melodic songs. People who listen to Dream Theater are usually musicians, and musicians who are into Dream Theater are usually into advanced musicality. You have to keep in mind that people who will listen to Frostbite's music will naturally have huge expectations, which will be the main obstacle in their way to success.

Secondly, I can see that Frostbite is managed by professionals with poor vision. Everything about them is professionally handled, including their visuals, videos, and social accounts, but the band doesn't have enough artistic value in their brand. The music video of Perfect Storm is a massive production, where they have scenes of the performing band and a story along with it. First of all, I don't understand why everybody thinks that musicians don't require acting skills or talent to act in a video, especially if it's a proper role just like in their example. I am not an expert, not in any movie business, yet I'm afraid none of these scenes look natural. We live in the 21st century where people create mind-blowing content on the internet, I'm not sure how realistic would be expecting to impress people with this video.

Moreover, I'd like to admit that Misdirected didn't have enough personality for me. The album sounds overly Western/American from start to finish where I'd prefer hearing more of their Norwegian origins.

Lastly, technically the album has a good sound but a poorly done mix, and I believe this is serious. The vocalist needs an entirely different approach in his mix, his voice doesn't have a good character in this album and often goes out of tune.

When I take all these into account, I'd like to say that I've had a good time listening to Frostbite.

Metalhead Community congratulates Frostbite for their debut album "Misdirected", and wishes them the very best in their future careers. Thank you for reading.

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