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This is a concept album revolving around the life of a church’s bell ringer.  I have to admit that at first I had a hard time imagining how this could probably be interesting.  After only one of what I call an "attentive listening session", I was impressed by the lyrical contents, and how well they match with the music (which is not always the case with some bands...)

More on the lyrics.  Some of those touched me personally.  I have found that songs such as They Are Gone, The Age Of The Quick Fix and F.A.T.E. were at least in part related to direct or remote events of my life.  I actually think everyone will see a bit of themselves somewhere in The Dead Ringer.  This is the kind of material that make you stop and think about some facts of life.

Lead vocalist Pascal Cliche is excellent throughout this album, I just don’t have the words to describe it.  This is one of the best metal singers I have heard.  Musically, the album is also great, sometimes taking an unexpected turn that will catch the listener’s attention.  The bassist has changed since the recording of this album, but I’ve seen the new bassist in his first live performance and I think Hanker has made the right choice.  I can’t wait for their third album, Snakes And Ladders, which should be released sometime in November.

I urge you to buy this album.  Somehow this excellent band is still not very well know, so let’s help them get to where they belong: at the top!