CONDITION RED    II     (Lion Music)

When I see the term Condition Red, I sometimes think back to the old Star Trek series and the starship Enterprise. Now the ship’s warp drive was propelled by a fictional mix of matter and antimatter, the 2 meeting causing an explosion. Power and anti power, 2 contrasts, but when they meet watch out!

This is something I notice with this band Condition Red’s second release simply entitled II. The contrasts being, the dizzying musicianship and shredding attack counterbalanced with accessible songwriting and Ella Grustner’s gentle voice. Just when you think you are safe, it’s a Condition Red and the instruments attack!

Keyboardist Alexander King is what really stands out to me on this release. He has a wicked arsenal of sounds and blinding speed, using a neoclassical style, with some fusion, and just about anything else he can think of! The guitar work of Alex Masi and Lars Eric Mattsson is absolutely deadly, and the jousting with King’s keyboards at times creates total instrumental mayhem, The interplay between these 3 are amazing. The drummer Gerald Kloos, is an impressive with a very powerful yet very versatile style being able to execute anything the songs require with speed and precision. Vocalist Ella Grustner (as I previously mentioned), has a gentle suttle style to her singing. At times it seems to lack presence for my own musical tastes and sounds a bit restrained, but it is a very sweet sounding voice and it does provide a nice contrast to the music. She also is the band’s violin player, adding yet another instrument to their arsenal of sounds. Track 10 “Your Freedom” is a good example of how this comes into use quite nicely, with the songs blend of medieval folk and some Arabian sounds. The Arabian influence comes into full force with “It’s Not Too Late” with a gorgeous arrangement for the first part of the song, then kick into overdrive for the instrumental section then back to the Arabian flavored verse section, then to a solo section at the outro. Very nicely arranged and very nicely executed.

The range of styles integrated with this band’s style of metal is really quite impressive, drawing from elements of progressive rock, fusion, and neoclassical not to mention many other different styles they can draw from You can at one minute hear a driving metal song, the next second something funky, the next second something folky, but it all flows together nicely with sharp songwriting and always full of exciting instrumental breaks

They seem to be making a real serious attempt to get out of the Dream Theater clone tag, most progressive metal bands seem to inherit these says and I believe they have done a damn good job doing it. A very diverse, but yet cohesive collection of tunes here. I encourage prog metal fans, and fans who just love excellent musicianship and execution to give ‘em a try! When the klaxon sounds in your head, don’t say I didn’t warn you! It’s Condition Red!

www.Progressiveears.com    Dragonflame

Artist: Condition Red
Title: II
Produced by: Lars Eric Mattsson
Label/ Date: Lionn Music/ 2003
 
 
Tracks:
1. The Warning
2. Eye of a Storm
3. Cycles
4. Time Passes By
5. The Eagle's Return
6. It's Not Too Late
7. Rondo
8. Why Won't You Hear Me?
9. Seven Stars
10. Your Freedom
11. In / Out
12. Train Insane
13. Out of the Red
 
The Review:
Condition Red’s second release II, is by far the most original and impressive prog-metal bands to surface on Lion Music’s roster. The reason? Well they combine the traditional elements of prog-metal along with progressive rock, folk and even string based music.
With female fronted vocals, provided by Ella Grussner, adds a nice atmosphere not found in prog-metal. She also plays flute and violin, which are two instruments hardly used in prog-metal.
Lars Eric Lars Mattsson is the main instrumentalist here and is augmented by Alex Masi on guitar and Alexander King on keyboards. To round off the line up is drummer, Gerald Kloos.
My only problem is that Lars is pretty much the "band" with added players to realise his music thus not allowing a true “band” feel to Condition Red. Maybe he’ll allow that on the third release and in my opinion, stick with one instrument, the guitar.
This is very recommended for those who want something different with their prog-metal.
~Ron for ProgNaut.com [November 11th, 2003]
 

CONDITION RED    II     (Lion Music)

This erstwhile sub-supergroup's second album is a much more personable, sensual affair indeed, II advancing unapologetically through drum-dominant, classical-drenched progressive metal, spiced uniquely with the female vocals of Ella Grussner, who also adds well-appointed violin in spots. But yeah, it's funny, even though you've got Alex Masi and Lars Eric Mattsson turning in fiery yet very musical guitar runs everywhere, it is drummer Gerald Kloos (Tony Martin, Rolf Munkes) that is the shifty, spicy, shifting ground beneath each skillfully restrained track (or at least, those with drums - some songs on here all an almost refreshing medieval folk). All told, it's quite the complicated yet highly accessible, workable, novel alloy, the key to the record being the two-phased airiness of the arrangements and Grussner's clear, clean, understated, almost contemplative vocals, an airiness that Kloos tries to obscure, but Masi and Mattsson dutifully hold dear.



7.5 Martin Popoff www.bravewords.com Brave Words and Bloody Knuckles Magazine

Artist: Condition Red
Title: Condition Red II
Genre: Rock/Progressive, Fusion,
MetalLabel: Lion Music-www.lionmusic.com
Website: www.condition-red.com

The first thing that caught my eye with this CD of course was the interesting cover. It reminded me of the sci-fi thriller The Matrix were the main characters have a portal (one that is much smaller and not as attractive) in the back of their necks to plug into the unreal world that everyone thinks is the real world.Condition Red II gives the progressive rock listener many different soundscapes to tap into by offering alternating vocal and instrumental tracks for all of us living in the ‘real’ world. I enjoyed the variety this album gave me as a meticulous listener that demands a firm grasp of production quality and diversity. With standout six-string gunners Lars Eric Mattsson (guitars, bass and additional keys) and Alex Masi (guitar) combining their talents, the other talented members have a lot to work with and build upon within each song.  Ella Grussner (vocals), Gerald Kloos (drums), Alexander King (keyboards) make up the rest of this band laden with top-flight talent. Grussner adds her female touch with vocals that entrance you, then after a good vocal workout, they have her step away from the microphone and the boys kick it up a notch and commence into instrumental pieces that would satisfy any prog-rock/metal appetite. The best way to describe this music is to call it rock fusion. They borrow their approach and style from some of the best in the business and create their own niche along the way. This very appealing album will demand your attention while many listens will be required before you digest it all.©"Keith "MuzikMan" HannaleckAugust 17, 2003

1. The Warning2. Eye of the Storm3. Cycles4. Time Passes By5. The Eagle’s Return6. It’s Not Too Late7. Rondo8. Why Won’t You Hear Me?9. Seven Stars10. Your Freedom11. In / Out12. Train Insane13. Out of The Red

Rating-4 / 5 eer-music.com

Condition Red 2003 line-up:
Ella Grussner: Vocals
Gerald Kloos: Drums
Alexander King: Keyboards
Alex Masi: Guitar
Lars Eric Mattsson: Guitars, Bass and additional keys

CONDITION RED II
LMC077 Lion Music

New release from progressive rockers Condition Red that feature the amazing talent of singer Ella Grussner. Ella's vocals remind of Lana Lane and Amy from Evanescence, thus give off a slight gothic seductive edge in her powerful range that gives the songs that special spark.   

Joining Ella in Condition Red are guitarists Alex Masi and Lars Eric Mattsson (Lars also handles bass), drummer Gerald Kloos and keyboard player Alexander King. Ella Grussner also handles the violins on the record.   

There are thirteen songs on the records that starts off with a short violin/keyboard instrumental that has Eastern flavours. This song moves into the first proper song called 'Eye Of A Storm'. Sprinkled in keyboard and progressive energies, this song is in the Yngwie Malmsteen neo-classical style, Ella's voice is angelic and convincing and just as good as Lana Lane.

The music is very impressive, and the band show allot of diversity with interesting ideas like the very neo-classical 'Cycles' where keyboard player Alexander King showcases his style. King is really clever on this instrumental where Lars Eric Mattsson pours our some killer fusion licks. Next is the magical 'Time Passes By', lyrically this song shows how gifted Ella can write and her voice carries it with so much emotion that a shiver is sent down your spine. She reminds me again of Lana Lane and also Candice Night from Blackmore's Night.

'The Eagle's Return' is a more lively rocker with touches of neo classical elements whilst 'It's Not Too Late' features some wicked Eastern/Indian guitar influences performed by Alex Masi. This song has a very neo-classical/gothic feel and if you like Evanescence or even Nightwish then you will enjoy 'It's Not Too Late'. The song builds to a really nice soothing angelic style with and is perhaps one of the albums best tracks. 'Rondo' is next, this is one for fans of straight forward instrumental neo-classical metal, the violin over guitars structure reminds me of Malmsteen's "Concerto" release. Song time again for 'Why Won't You hear me?' another epic progressive piece that works very well. I loved some of the keyboard parts on this song. Next is 'Seven Stars' (a good name for a band), this is another instrumental based heavily around dynamic progressive keyboard structures, very diverse. Then we hear the excellent 'Your Freedom', the violin is in full force on this magical acoustic based song, vocals are again like Lana Lane and the song even has an early Heart feel.

'In/Out' is next and is another instrumental, there is some really good bass playing here, it's a rocking track with forceful guitars and pompy keyboards, very catchy instrumental. 'Train Insane' and is also pretty impressive, a slight change to the normal style vocally as here Ella reminds me of Lisa Dalbello. The album ends as it started with an instrumental called 'Out Of The Red' based around stunning keyboards and loose tuned down guitars.  

Condition Red are moving in the right direction, this is an expressive and magical album and I was quite suprised by the diversity offered. I will shortly conduct an interview with Ella, in the meantime have a browse at the bands website.  

www.condition-red.com www.lionmusic.com  

80/100

Nicky Baldrian

CONDITION RED II
LMC077 Lion Music (2003) http://www.lionmusic.com

   The follow-up to the band's 2000 debut album. The line-up is - Lars Eric Mattsson (guitars/bass), Alex Masi (guitars), Empire drummer Gerald Kloos, Alexander King (keys) and Ella Grussner (vocals/violin). After a brief instrumental opener in "The Warning", its fast paced metal with "Eye Of A Storm"  where the vocals of Ella Grussner immediately make an impact. She has a very tuneful voice, almost folk in delivery but strong enough to be heard above the guitars/bass/drums. "Why Won't You Hear Me?" contains the catchiest riff on the album and some superb guitar soloing as well. The keys on this track also remind me of Rick Wakeman's
work on his latest album. Plenty of instrumentals on here as well as you'd expect form such a talented line-up. Pick of the crop are "Cycles" for the guitar/keyboard interplay and the jazz rock/fusion of "Seven Stars". Nice touch of folk balladry on "Your Freedom", a gentle number which again highlights Grussner's vocal talents.
   Enjoyable progressive metal release with the added bonus of folk influences which take it above many releases in this field. Good to see some female vocals in a lead role for a change as well and I am sure we will hear more from Ella Grussner in the future.

Classic Rock Newswire - Jason Ritche

CONDITION RED II
LMC077 Lion Music (2003) http://www.lionmusic.com

Progressive rock music can be very complext at times.Either the songs are too lengthy or too way out there. Different strokes for different folks I guess. There is one band though that has found a way to bridge the gap between complexity and accessibity. Condition Red is the name of the band and with the release of their sophmore effort simply titled, 'II", they have made listening to progressive rock worth listening to again. Condition Red is, Ella Grussner on vocals/violin, Lars Eirc Mattson on guitars and bass, Alex Masi on guitar, Gerald Kloos on drums and Alexander King on keyboards. The first time around for Condition Red, the brainchild of Alexander King and Lars Eric Mattsson (Mattsson), the two understood that to appeal to a broader audience, they would have to temper their more lengthier songs. That is what I meant about complexity and accessibilty. On, 'II", King and Mattsson have put together a stellar group of musicians and put together a recording that will take progressive rock music to a whole new level. The album opens with, "The Warning" a insrumental hypnotic piece that sets the stage of the listening experience that awaits you as it segues into the powerful, "The Eye Of The Storm". A song that will simply captivate your minds eye. The same can be said for tracks like "Time Passes By", a song that is grace with the mezmorizing vocal seduction of Ella Grussner. On "Why Don't You Hear Me", Lars Eric Mattsson's guitar is front and center and anchored by the Alex Masi stimulating guitar solo. As a band, Condition Red are tight as a glove and they proved that on "In/Out". An intense instrumental juggernaut that defines what progressive rock music is about, musical intensity. For those of you out there that the band may have abandoned their progressive roots, don't worry, they haven't. They have just taken the genre to a whole new level by creating a hybrid form of music that one can't help but enjoy once its heard. 'II' by Condition Red is definitely worth a listen. A word of warning, listening to this album can be very addictive.
- The Atomic Chaser

CONDITION RED II

Behind Condition Red there are some names of artists who already proof their quality in other projects. I will name Alex Masi (born in Italy) with his recently tribute to Bach project, his first band "Dark Lord" and other solo albums which even received a Grammy nomination.
Then we have Lars Eric Mattsson. In business since 1988 and he released also several solo albums and formed the band Vision in 1992.
Condition Red is making progressive metal and hard rock with many classical influences and even classical pieces. But Condition Red is more; they can play all styles of music. You have to listen this record various times to discover the value of this album. I want to give you some extra information and my impression on some tracks. And believe me, none track is the same. The first track set the tune and style for the whole album. Here you will hear an instrumental intro with violin and percussion. The second track is a pure classic progressive metal composition. In this track there are several classical intermezzos in it. These are all done with a keyboard and a nice Hammond organ. Here you will also hear the female vocal by Ella Grussner. It was for me hard to get familiar with her voice. For me it is too sweet and soft. I like the instruments most. The third is an instrumental one with a lot of classic (J.S. Bach) moves in it. All instruments the guitars and key's are excel in this composition. The way of guitar playing and the tune of the keyboards remind me on the old days early 70's Dutch bands like Focus and Kayak.
In the fourth track I can't here progressive metal, just a rock song where the vocals fits better. The keyboard sounds here very good. There is enough space for instrumental intermezzi, even in a jazz style. Track number five is again an instrumental high tempo progressive metal song with a lot of classic intermezzi and again a main role for the Hammond organ.
Track number six is a rock song with this time at last a main role for the female voice, in this song you will discover some surprising changes and yes lots of instrumental parts. Track number seven is an instrumental composition with this time a main role for the violin and nice rhythms done with percussions. Track number nine is a complex instrumental composition with some funk in it. Track number 11 is remarkable by its orchestral composition and a drum solo.
This album ended up where it all begun, an instrumental track.
With this second album, Condition Red has succeeded in the way to make interesting crossovers in various styles and in this album they did it with high quality.

www.vampire-magazine.com

CONDITION RED (B/B-) Lion Music, 2000
8 tracks, RT: 60:59
[ http://www.condition-red.com ]
[ info@condition-red.com ]
[ http://www.lionmusic.com ]
Condition Red--the group--is a progressive hard rock/metal project masterminded by guitarist Lars Eric Mattsson (Vision/solo) and keyboardist/accomplished studio musician Alexander King. King layed down the keys, Mattsson the bass, rhythm, and some lead guitar, and they hooked up with the following guests: guitarist Alex Masi, drummer Eddie Sledgehammer, keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater/Planet X), and Finnish jazz musician Esa Petila on saxophone; the vocals are handled by Ella Grussner (also on violin) and Torgny Stjarnfelt, both from Barkavall. CONDITION RED--the album--ends up being a mix of (roughly) five- and 10-minute prog tunes, both instrumental and with vocals, that spotlights each contributor's abilities nicely, while also managing to wedge some memorable melodies into your brain. And the dual female/male vocals of Grussner and Stjarnfelt is a welcome touch. This trick is used by a lot of death/doom metal bands, where the main guy singer resembles the Cookie Monster and then the chick is the contrasting angelic voice, but here 1) both vocalists can sing, and 2) the duties are fairly evenly divided. The most concise track is "Fly Me High," with its mid-tempo rock vibe, Extreme-like funk guitarbits, a brilliant acoustic guitar solo, and fine keyboard work."Bach On The Streets Again" is a mid-tempo neoclassical instrumental journey with nice, non-OTT guitar soloing and even a Grussner violin solo--and the dual use of harpsichord and organ is interesting. "Lighthouse" is all over the place; it starts out with a weird, trippy vibe reminiscient of The Police's "Tea In The Sahara" and then mixes in a bunch of B3, shredding guitar work, more violin, and a great heavy 'n' mean outro section. There's just a lot going on here and I could probably go on forever analyzing each part, but that'd be silly. It's a good album, but it does also have an intangible "project album" feel to it at some points. So now we've reached that time where fans of this type of music are probably intrigued and non-progheads are probably turned off. I urge the former to seek this album out, and I ask the latter to at least investigate the RealAudio samples at the Condition Red site, just in case... (The site also has a ton of clips from other Mattsson and Masi releases.) - Tim

=====
Detritus Rock/Metal e-zine
http://detritusweb.com
"Rock Hard With A Purpose"
 

CONDITION RED - Condition Red
(Lion Music)  http://www.lionmusic.com
By Brian Coles www.electricbasement.com

Progressive metal has been very brave of late, taking on bigger and more complex structures over the years.  Condition Red may just be the
ultimate culmination of maturity and power, blended in the name of impressing both metal fans and fusion nuts.  But wait, there is a lot to take in here.

With 9 musicians contributing to the album, you know its not going to a barroom boogie salute.  What we have is two understated vocalists in
Ella Grussner (who also handles violin!) and Torgny Stjamfelt, who are more yellers than range gifted singers.  But the music is the real star
here anyway. Armed with a mini-rock orchestra, consisting of 2 keyboardists, a violinist, sax player, drummer 2 powerhouse guitarists,
Alex Masi and Lars Eric Mattsson, the creative options are limitless. And the band, literally, goes just above everywhere they can.  From rock
to jazz to semi-swing to new age and back a pumping riff here and there, you realize very soon, it is impossible to predict what is forthcoming,
even 30 seconds down the road.  Cap this off with a background singer named Thor Hammer, and diversity takes on a whole new meaning.
"Judgment Day" has a weighty, yet bouncing riff that provides the groundwork for one of the better pieces on the album.  Keyboards dance
about, giving Jon Lord's "Lazy" a run for its money.  The vocals are a strange portion of the band's delivery, for they always seem to
introduce themselves at unexpected moments.  Then again, much of what the band does is unexpected.  Another example would be "Fly Me High", a strange combination of 80s riffage and cleaned up funk.

An impressive collection, if not always easy to digest.  There is so much going on here, it's almost impossible to gain a consistent vibe. A curiosity for sure.
  
_________________________________________________________________
 

CONDITION RED (B/B-) Lion Music, 2000

8 songs/61 minutes

Lion Music

Lars Eric Mattsson (guitar,bass,keyboards)  Alexander King (keyboards), Alex Masi (guitar),Derek Sherinian (keyboard solo’s on 2 tracks),Esa Pietilä (sax),Ella Grussner (lead vocals and violin) an Torgny Stjärnfelt (lead vocals).

The result of these recordings is an experimental progressive rock/metal album with also some fusion,jazz,rock and neoclassical elements. The lyrics are about living in the modern world and trying to stay alive. The vocals are divided between Ella and Torgny,but there are also many instrumental parts on this album.

Everytime that you listen to this release you discover other interesting parts. There are plans to release a second Condition Red cd in 2001.Hope that it will be even interesting as this one!

www.condition-red.com review by Ronny Elst