3 - The End Is Begun: Special Edition Review

Posted by Mitch Michaels on 02.20.2008

Progressive rockers prepare for a tour with Dream Theater with this CD/DVD reissue of their 2007 breakthrough…

My Story
The guitar is an instrument that has been around (in its modern form) for roughly 2000 years. In that time, you would think that mankind would have exhausted every different method of playing it, but in popular music, when someone takes a guitar and does something remotely different than strumming a chord, crowds go wild. Hell, it made Dave Matthews’ entire career.

Still, that observation can’t negate the interesting music that 3 and its frontman Joey Eppard have been making. They’re brand of progressive rock is a true breath of fresh air and is catching on with audiences worldwide. On this “special edition” of their latest album, we’re given an even bigger taste of 3, as Metal Blade has included live footage as well, a pair of music videos and a Pink Floyd cover. Will this extra helping of 3 be enough, or will we still be begging for more?

Their Story
3 was formed by brothers Joey and Josh Eppard, along with bassist Chris Bittner, in Woodstock, New York in the mid-90’s. The band first drew attention to themselves at the 1994 Woodstock Festival (brought to you by Pepsi!), which, along with several well-received live shows throughout the region, led to their signing with Universal in 1998. Unfortunately, the deal went sour pretty quickly, but left 3 with a completed album to shop around. Their debut, Paint By Number, a set of raw alternative rock, was released on indie Planet Noise Records in 1999. The album would feature additional instruments by guitarists Billy Riker and Jason Foster and drummer Chris “Gartdrumm” Gartmann. Riker would remain with the band, and Gartdrumm would also join when founder Josh Eppard left the group to join Coheed & Cambria.

Founder Chris Bittner would also exit the band in 2001, and he was replaced by bassist Joe Cuchelo. This new 3 would be featured on the 2002 live set, Half Life. Later that year, Joey Eppard would release a solo album, Been To The Future, but quickly reconvene with the band.

2003’s Summercamp Nightmare would feature several of the cuts from Half Life. The album is also notable for the addition of keyboardist Joe Stote to the band. Wake Pig followed in 2004, and it would be the band’s last indie album and their last with bassist Cuchelo, who was replaced by Daniel Grimsland in the middle of the sessions. In 2005, 3 signed to Metal Blade, who re-released an expanded version of Wake Pig to good reviews.

Recent months have been fruitful for 3. They toured with Porcupine Tree and Scorpions, released a successful EP via iTunes called These Iron Bones, and were tapped to tour with Dream Theater on the upcoming “Progressive Nation ‘08” tour. In 2007, they released their second Metal Blade album, The End Is Begun.

The Album
On February 19, 2008, Metal Blade Records released The End Is Begin: Special Edition, an expanded version of 3’s 2007 album. The set features the entire album on CD, plus a bonus track, as well as a Bonus DVD.



The Band: 8.0
Joey Eppard: vocals, guitar
Billy Riker: guitar
Daniel Grimsland: bass
Joe Stote: percussion, keys
Chris “Gartdrumm” Gartmann: drums

If you’ve ever heard 3, you’ll know there’s no way to easily categorize them. At their core, 3 is a progressive rock group that is equal parts Dream Theater and Keller Williams. Frontman Joey Eppard is an amazing guitarist, incorporating an interesting mix of flamenco style slap strumming and picking that comes off as truly unique. The rest of the band is equally impressive, adding a funky groove and a bit of prog metal to Eppard’s signature sound.

On The End Is Begun, the band splits time between acoustic and electric songs, as perhaps being Metal Blade artists has caused them to rock out just a little more. Eppard’s vocal work is pure 80’s, bringing to mind acts like Dream Theater and UFO. And speaking of UFO, when you throw in Joe Stote’s at times otherwordly keyboard fills, you get a sound that is completely out of this world…

…OK, that was lame, but it doesn’t make it less true. The true gem of this set is the DVD, which features a brief set of live songs by the band, which focus on Eppard’s acoustic playing. It truly is something to see, and even if you already have this CD, if you’re a fan, it’s worth a few bucks if you’ve got them.

The Songs: 7.0

CD:
1. The Word Is Born Of Flame
2. The End Is Begun
3. Battle Cry
4. All That Remains
5. My Divided Falling
6. Serpents In Disguise
7. Been To The Future
8. Bleeding Me Home
9. Live Entertainment
10. Diamond In The Crush
11. Shadow Play
12. These Iron Bones
13. The Last Day
14. See Emily Play (Bonus Song)

DVD:
Live In Worcester, MA April 28, 2007
1. Monster/Bramfatura
2. Amazed Disgrace
3. Bramfatura (Alternate Version)

Music Videos:
4. All That Remains
5. Alien Angel

It’s hard to believe that the same band recorded “The Word Is Born In Flame”, End Is Begun’s complex opener, and the acoustic meets metal throwback of “All That Remains”, End Is Begun’s first single. Then when you throw in the truly sublime “Shadow Play”, this set can really boggle your mind. But 3 makes it flow well, moving from highlight to highlight with a sea of grooves and ethereal imagery.

The big seller on the CD portion of this Special Edition is a cover of Pink Floyd’s “See Emily Play”, an early single from Floyd’s Syd Barrett years that reached the Top 10 in the UK. There is little comparison between the original and 3’s version, other than both come off as strange and experimental. The first acoustic guitar breakdown, mixed with the sounds of a little girl’s laughter, will have you forgetting about comparison’s though, and happily going along with this trip.

As for the DVD, the live performances are something to behold. Sadly, it’s all too brief, as I could have watched Joey Eppard rock out for an extra hour easy. The set features acoustic numbers from the band’s Wake Pig album. That’s a little confusing, given that, on the recording date, the band was just a few weeks from releasing The End Is Begun. The DVD wraps up with a pair of music videos, which includes “All That Remains”, filmed outside of a pretty cool looking castle, and Pig’s “Alien Angel”. “Angel”’s They Live inspired clip is a must see and caps off a very fun and very interesting audio/visual experience.

The 411: The End Is Begun is a star making album for the progressive rock band 3. A blend of acoustic innovation and the guitar rock of the 80’s best art metal acts creates an entirely modern sound for the band, and the great songs on this album make it easily worth picking up. The “See Emily Play” bonus track is a huge treat for fans, but seeing as how the bonus DVD clocks in at less than 20 minutes, it’s hard to recommend the Special Edition to someone who already owns the CD. Still, if you HAVEN’T gotten to know 3, this set, with its live clips and a pair of awesome music videos, is the perfect place to start.

Final Score:  7.5   [ Good ]