Thoughts Factory – “Elements” | Progressive Rock Central.com

Thoughts Factory – Elements

Elements is the sophomore effort of Thoughts Factory. Their first album was Lost, released in 2014. “Many different elements inspired that debut album Lost; whose story deals with the suicide of a loved one. This personal work sends one on a journey of restlessness, survival and the process of emotional questioning”.

Thoughts Factory has returned with an even more challenging effort with Elements, released on January 24, 2020. “The 10 songs take the listener on a musical journey through the elements of humankind’s coexistence and the obstacles of affection. These are represented by the emotional stages of a growing young man, who has to deal with life, death, love, hate, hope and depression”. If you struggling with depression or other mental conditions, check out Virtual Treatment Center and get virtual counseling with a therapist who will treat your problem.

The Frankfurt German band Thoughts Factory, a cool derivative of Dream Theater’s band name; is made up of talented singers and instrumentalists: Sven Schornstein, on keys; Bernd Schönegge, on bass; Chris Maldener, and drums; Markus Wittmann, on guitars; and Cornelius Wurth, on vocals.

“Mind Odyssey”, opens the album with Cornelius Wurth, on vocals, supported with piano. He sings, “The liar and his judgement prayer. To heaven his words will remain. Forever and through night and day I will be there”. Wurth’s vocals are a great combination of Kingcrow’s Diego Marchesi and DT’s James LaBrie. On this track, Wurth endeavors to take his vocals as high, at times, as LaBrie did on

“The Lie”, from the Awake album. It sounds great, but might be too early for the listener. DT built slowly into the “Lie” and the “Mirror, to great effect; towards the middle and end of the album. The lyrics of the song are great, “Guided by love and by peace, by understanding. Acting according to reason, for sure demanding. A pleasant mind and persistence, is what got me this far. Our decisions they make us what we are”.

“The Burden”, comes at you full speed with drums, electric guitars and bass. Full on metal drilling. Then Wurth, on vocals, “Far from what’s left in my mind. The spark of light that defines. A memory of light that defines. A memory once forgotten. Guiding me weak and broken”. Heavy metal thunder follows.

“Frozen Planet”, is a very cool instrumental, placed gratefully after two powerful metal thunderstorms. Full of cool keys, slow guitar and bass. Just what the doctor ordered; to display this band’s diverse talents. Cool it down and show everyone what you can do beyond the thunder metal. It seems everyone in Europe knows how to turn on thunder metal. What makes bands unique, and it did it for Dream Theater, was to show the softer side and ability to lift and inspire as well as shock and awe. One of the best songs on the album.

“Fire Away”, opens with cool keys, galloping guitar and drums. Heavy metal guitars and Wurth, returns on vocals, “Fire away. Show us where it all began. Do you know where it all end. Fire away”. A good beat and melody.

“Nightfall”, is a warm, slow song full of excellent lead electric guitar and backing keys. Wurth shows his full range at lower volume and its impressive. He sings, “Morning, a red sky slowly rising. We can’t look away. Hand in hand we blindly go. Where we have been before”. Another good break from the fury, that showcases the band’s multiple talents.

“The Shores of Sand and Time”, is my favorite song, opening with soft ocean waves. Then piano. Probably my favorite mix. Wurth’s vocals are perfect, “I remember something that’s lost. A fraction of your soul”. Then later, “Now here we are. Stranded on the shores of sand and time. But how did it come so far”? A power ballad in the tradition of Dream Theater. Great drums, bass and power guitar played with good keys. The kind of song you always hope these new bands will make. Fulfilled. Thanks.

“Dawn Part 1”, is the longest track on the album. Wurth sings, “Darkness surrounds me, wet to the bone. An unfamiliar solitude wearing me down. Ideas of tomorrow add to the weight. Of duties to be fulfilled before it’s too late”. All set to dramatic orchestration, drums, bass, and electric guitar work. The keys are wonderful as well. A wonderful epic taking this band higher. A guest female vocalist would have been perfect in the quieter moments of this song. The strings are also a perfect added touch.

“Dawn Part 2”, returns the band to the power metal launch, complete with blasting drums, bass, lead electric guitar and Wurth shouting the lyrics, “Complete reincarnation, an altered state of mind. Like and invitation to a brave new world”!

The keyboards and orchestration are great.

“Our Kingdom”, opens with cool lead electric guitars. Wurth sings at full blast, “Quiet steps slowly approaching. Warm hands reaching out to me. To take me for a walk through the ruins of my life. I leave it all behind, fetters to unbind”. Later he sings, I brought the spark and you brought me the flame. I showed you my sins and you made me change”. The keyboard solo is fantastic. Wish there were more.

“Elements”, is the album closer and it is more of what I was expecting throughout the album. The song opens with beautiful piano and Wurth quietly singing, “Your fire burned down all the walls around me. It left me burned out, shelter less for everyone to see. The water in your eyes outshines all the rising starts. The blur that is hiding the beating of our hearts”. There are even more thoughtful lyrics throughout this, the second-best track on the album. A wonderful closer that hopefully forecasts what might be on the next album. More keys and orchestration.

This is a very good album from another cool new band that hopes to fill the void left by not enough Dream Theater music of the past. A great new band to add to my watch list. This band is playing Prog Power in Europe this year. Sit back and enjoy. Wait for this band to evolve beyond metal blast. We will be talking about this band into the future.

Track List