Ward XVI – The Art Of Manipulation

Up for review today is the rather interesting concept album called The Art Of Manipulation from our fellow freaks on Ward XVI. They have come together to tell the tale of a female psychopath who has been locked away in a high security asylum whom, through exploring her past, develops a manipulation technique like no other.

The intro track begins by giving the listener an insight into Psychoberries past hinting that this may lead to a one way return trip back to the asylum unless she begins her confessions, which leads us directly into the first track Take My Hand which manages to incite the audience to listen further as the tales of her time within Ward XVI are about to unfold.

The Art Of Manipulation has a rather haunting interlude before the pace is hastened and the guitars begin to take hold of the listener along with the introduction of the vocals to this song in particular. The lyrics begin to show elements of manipulation as Psychoberrie sings about her cell being open, tempting her victim to make the first steps to come inside along with promises of fame and stardom yet still reminding you that it is on a tight time schedule. The keys and synths used on this track in particular are rather haunting in nature, and the guitars in the breakdown are partnered perfectly with the drums to have you moving your feet in no time at all.

Interlude 1 brings you right back to the confession tapes, retaining the illusion that as a listener you are in fact within the processing cells almost playing a part in the conviction of this psycho back to the asylum. This interlude is only a brief track before you are graced with the incredible track called The Flight which contains killer guitars riffs and heavier synths which will have you head banging from start to finish as your told the story of a star being in too deep to come back from the deeds they are being made to complete.

Crystal Ball is reminiscent of an era which seems long forgotten of freak shows and haunting circus’ where performers never failed to leave their audience begging for more. This song, which has to be my personal favourite along with Cry Of The Siren, describes a black widow in full bloom before she strikes her victims in all their glory and once again contains break downs which are bound to have the crowd off their ass in no time at all.

From start to finish The Art Of Manipulation will have the audience begging for more, I know it’s certainly left me with an appetite for more tales from the incredible Ward XVI.

Band Members

Psychoberrie – Lead Vocals
Lex Whittingham – Guitars / Vocals
Dr Von Stottenstein – Guitars
Wolfy Huntsman – Bass / Vocals
Herman Musster – Drums
Marty McDie – Keyboards

Track Listing

Intro
Take My Hand
The Art Of Manipulation
Interlude 1
The Flight
Crystal Ball
Hold Me
Interlude 2
Blackened Heart
Run For Your Lives
Adrenochromania
Cry Of The Siren
Toy Box
Interlude 3
Inner Demon
Ward XVI