The long-awaited album from these American rockers proves that patience is a virtue. The eponymous debut is a cracking slice of commercial hard rock, in the vein of Dry Cell, Egypt Central, a stripped-down Linkin Park (if you take out Mike Shinoda's rapping and Mt Hahn's input), and some similar elements as bands such as The Calling, Kutless, Falling Up and Our Lady Peace (trans: not afraid to wear their hearts on their sleeves occasionally, toning down the "rawk" from time to time).You'll find the full mix of styles and tempos on Faktion, ranging from the rocking openers "Forgive Me" and "Control", to the more soulful and emotional "Six O'Clock" and "Distance". The band clearly wanted this album to showcase everything they could do, not just what they felt would sell gazillions of albums (though, given the backing, there's no reason they shouldn't...).
A new take on a busy genre, Faktion offer something a little more contemporary and devoid of cliches. Roadrunner made a good move, signing these guys, padding out the more commercial end of their stable (Nickelback, Theory Of A Deadman, etc.)
Having done the rounds on MySpace and various other web-based mediums, expanding their fanbase from the ground up, I would be very surprised if Faktion don't make at least a small splash in the melodic hard rock genre.
A thoroughly satisfying album, and one that should have rock fans the world over happily humming and bouncing along to. Great stuff.
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