21.Last Chance to Reason-Level 2 (2011)
In the world of perfect pairs, none are nerdier than the combo of progressive metal and video games. Maine's Last Chance to Reason channels this paring into pure nerd bliss on their second video game-inspired concept album, Level 2. The spastic synthesizers and constant tempo changes on Level 2 gives the listener a rush that is not unlike the one you receive when your enthralled in a good video game. Even if you're not a gamer, there's still plenty to like about Level 2. Mike Lassard is one of the strongest vocalists in the genre and the mad scientist who is responsible for Last Chance to Reason's unique, nerd-friendly identity. Lassard's delivery and range is eerily similar to Between the Buried and Me's lauded frontman Tommy Rodgers with his ability to switch between soulful falsetto and fierce screams on a whim. Not to be outdone by Lassard, guitarist A.J. Harvey is a sneakily gifted guitarist who prefers subtlety, but isn't afraid to rip out a face-melting solo when called upon and drummer Evan Sammons is an incendiary presence behind the kit with a barrage of fills and blast beats that perfectly fit the various directions this album goes in. Level 2 should've been the album that launched the career of Last Chance to Reason, but instead was a precursor to their eventual demise as a band. Their next record, 2013's Level 3, would be their last as a full-time band as Lassard joined The Contortionist as their new permanent vocalist in June 2013, which subsequently made LCTR a side project. Level 2 was the indisputable peak for Last Chance to Reason as a band and is easily one of the ambitious, well-written and consistently engaging prog metal records to be released in recent years.
Standout Tracks
1.Coded to Fail http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vm2XfOYK1o
2.Apotheosis http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_AwlRbjCtM
3.Taking Control http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAOtaRo-L4g
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