UMUR "Memoirs of a Broken Man" is the debut full-length studio album by US progressive/power metal act Futures End. The album was released through Nightmare Records in October 2009. Futures End formed in 2007 and feature quite a few prolific names in the lineup. The quintet lineup consists of bassist Steve DiGiorgio (Sadus, Testament, Death...etc.), drummer Jon Allen (Sadus, Dragonlord, Testament...etc.), guitarist Christian David Wentz (Circle II Circle, The Element), guitarist Marc Pattison (Destiny's Void, Chemical Burn, Circle II Circle), and lead vocalist Fred Marshall (Destiny's Void, Zero Hour).

So without even talking about it, we´ve established by looking at the names involved, that the musicianship is top notch on "Memoirs of a Broken Man". Stylistically the material is a progressive tinged form of US power metal performed with great technical skill. Marshall is a powerful and commanding singer (I´m personally not sold on his voice, although he is undeniably a skilled vocalist), and the album is loaded with high level drumming and bass playing (...it´s the Sadus rhythm section so it´s a matter of course), and very intricate guitar riffs and lead work. Fans of the genre should be able to find a lot to enjoy here. The material are relatively varied with both hard edged US power metal tracks, intricate semi-progressive moments, and the occasional more power ballad type sections.

"Memoirs of a Broken Man" features 11 tracks and a total playing time of 70:07 minutes. 10 originals and a cover of "Powerslave" by Iron Maiden closing the album. While it´s slightly too long for it´s own good, it´s not an album featuring an excess of filler material. It´s more a matter of 70 minutes generally being a very long playing time for any release and a shorter more focused release could have felt even stronger than this version. The album is packed in a detailed and powerful sounding production, so upon conclusion it´s a high quality release by Futures End. A 3.5 (70%) rating is deserved (probably higher if you appreciate Marshall´s voice more than I do).

siLLy puPPy Despite releasing a single album in 2009, FUTURES END is still officially a bona bide active band and has been touted as a supergroup due to the fact that several members were in various metal bands in their career however that might be a stretch. The band was formed in Martinez, CA by guitarists Christian Wentz and Marc Pattison. Both Wentz and Pattison played in the Tampa, FL based Circle II Circle but the other lineup is what makes progressive metal fans salivate.

Along for this wild progressively infused power metal ride are drummer Joe Allen who has played in various bands including Dragonlord, Masqued, Sadus and Testament. Also on board is Zero Hour vocalist Fred Marshall but the true star of the show is bassist Steve DiGirogio who has played with long resume of metal acts: Artension, Autopsy, Charred Walls of the Damned, Control Denied, Dark Hall, Death, Dragonlord, Futures End, Iced Earth, Painmuseum, Roadrunner United, Sadus, Scariot, Soen, Testament. There were also a few guest musicians. Supergroup? Maybe, but whatever.

Hitting the market in 2009, FUTURES END caught the attention of the prog metal community with its so far only release MEMOIRS OF A BROKEN MAN which was received quite well and won all kinds of accolades for the stellar performances displayed. This is a concept album about a man who returns from war, falls into depression and becomes an alcoholic. His only friend commits suicide and he spirals deeper into the ultimate depression but ultimately if you pay attention the lyrical content, the story ends with a positive resolution which is what everyone wants from such a traumatic ordeal i would guess.

FUTURES END delivered a bombast power metal album infused with progressive twists and turns that take things a little further. The band has rightfully been compared to bands like Symphony X and Dream Theater but in all honesty isn’t quite as creative as either band. Melodically the band is quite strong and technically as well with hard driving power grooves that display the member’s most ferocious chops. Creatively though, MEMOIRS OF A BROKEN MAN falls short as there really isn’t enough divers elements to warrant a 70 minute bombastic metal experience. While a few slower moments occur, FUTURES END delivers a balls to the wall Dragonforce inspired speedfest from beginning to end.

First flaw is that this album is way too derivative of Symphony X with its neoclassical guitar runs, heavy guitar riffing and vocal style. Second flaw is that the tracks are too similar. While the final track “Powerslave,” a remake of the classic Iron Maiden track is perfectly performed, it seems totally incongruous with the overall concept and thematic flow. In the end, this is a satisfying technical display of musical chops but i sure wish that it would’ve been honed into a more interesting listening experience. All that is missing is some original content. Oh well, the desire to cash in on popular sounds is nothing new but this album is a testament to why so many bands fail to carryon on after an initial wow factor. Definitely worth a listen if you can’t get enough Symphony X inspired technical prowess but unsatisfying if you want an album with staying power.

Sinkadotentree What attracted me to this album was hearing that Fred Marshall was singing on it. He of course sang for ZERO HOUR on their excellent "A Fragile Mind" record. This is a concept album about a soldier who returns home from war with his friend after their entire unit was killed. His friend ends up committing suicide while he drinks heavily to escape from the pain. The story does have a happy ending though as he beats his demons to "live" again. This isn't as heavy as ZERO HOUR but it's still rocks hard and is complex. The best part of the album is the killer cover of IRON MAIDEN's "Powerslave".