THE SAMMUS THEORY
Man Without Eyes
OCI Records 2005
www.thesammustheory.net

MusicianConnect profile

What’s the 4-1-1?
Debut album for the group.

Genre
Modern rock / alternative

The Good
Man Without Eyes is a concept album that, you as the listener, has to interpret the meaning of yourself. I will tell you that the album’s title refers to one that is blind to the effects of the causes they put into motion through their choices. The album is split into tow parts; Rising and Falling. Driving riffs and piercing arpeggio tones dominate “Take Your Face.” Sammus’ low-registering vocals enhance the dark tone that is being laid by the instrumentation. A meaty bass line prevails on “Lead Foot.” Sammus expresses his main characters frustration with the people that hold back his creativity on this one.

“Hole in the Wall” continues on the dark road that its predecessors set forth, but relies on an acoustic background. However, as the song reaches its peak, the distortion kicks in. A long, progressive style introduction takes you into “Man Without Eyes, Part I.” “Split” delves into the darker or more evil side of the album protagonist. “Fair Weather Friend” has a great hard rock riff that’s pushed aside by Sammus’ intense vocals. Multi-layered vocals help convey the evil turn that this story is about to take. I won’t give away the ending to “Man Without Eyes, Part II,” but this track is encompassed by emotional piano and vocals. You know what that usually means.

The Bad
I hate having to figure out what concept albums mean.

The Verdict
I’m amazed that Man Without Eyes is The Sammus Theory’s first album. Most bands need 3 to 4 albums to accomplish the musical achievements that are displayed here. Though I found the story a little above my comprehension, the music is dark, emotional, and unique. Man Without Eyes will peak your curiosity and draw you into it’s tragic tale with just one listen.

Did You Know?
Frontman Sammus could play seven different instruments by the age of seventeen.

Rating: out of 5

--George Dionne