Search - Kris Norris Project :: Icons of the Illogical

Kris Norris (former lead guitarist with Darkest Hour).

with
Randy Blythe - (Lamb Of God vocalist) vocals on Ghostly Shell Removal and Remaining Foolish
Dave Gibson - Drums
Dave Fugman - Bass

Cory Smoot of GWAR recorded, co-produced and mixed the record at his studio Karma Productions in Virginia

MAGNA CARTA UNLEASHES KRIS NORRIS PROJEKT S ICONS OF THE ILLOGICAL
--- AN INSTRUMENTAL INVESTIGATION INTO THE MYSTERIOUS WORLD OF CONSPIRACY THEORIES
Did we really land on the moon? Was there a second shooter? Did Hangar 18 house alien bodies? For guitarist Kris Norris (Darkest Hour, Locust Factor), a self-professed conspiracy buff , the truth is out there.

Icons of the Illogical, Norris first full-fledged solo record, is a collection largely composed of scorching and subversive progressive metal instrumentals inspired by the lure of alternative history and our willingness to believe in it.

I don t necessarily think these conspiracy theories explain the whole truth, says Norris. I think I m more fascinated by the people who believe in these theories. It s all a matter of interpretation and perspective. How and why do they think like that?

Norris attempts to answer these questions throughout his 14-track record. Despite a lack of vocal accompaniment, Icons tells many tales with its tightly composed compositions and numerous soaring melodic lead lines. The music shifts in feel from aggressive to downright eerie, sometimes within the same song or guitar solo.

Tracks include the anthemic The Law of Falling Bodies (about the worst terrorist attack to take place on American soil and the crackpot speculations that have emerged as a result); the cynical and politically charged The Hegelian Principle ; the sweeping, Wagnerian (and Arthurian) The Wound of Amfortas ; Lament, Requiem, Threnody , a sly tribute to Metallica s classic instrumental grandeur; the cathartic, deceptively complicated and highly syncopated Ghostly Shell Removal (featuring blood-curdling vocals supplied by Lamb of God s Randy Blythe); the punishing Remaining Foolish , also featuring Blythe, whose harsh vocals seem to reinforce the militant nature and willing ignorance of some conspiracy theorists, Palindrome (appropriately based upon a repetitive lead line), and others.

I tried to carefully pick song titles that fit the mood of the music but also reflected something about the general theme of conspiracy, says Norris.