Their debut was good, the follow up excellent and now they return with a third collection of hard-hitting Progressive Power Metal.
The philosophical and astrological features have survived and we are once again offered a lyrical universe .of epic questions, to quote a title from their previous effort. Fascinating themes of spiritual wondering and bordering dimensions go well with the mysterious and very atmospheric scenarios created by the massive and bombastic arrangements.
The ultra heavy rhythm guitar work and ingenious and kick ass drumming are two of the bands cutting-edge competencies, and let me tell you that this collaboration will drive you deep back into your seat.
The production is held very similar to Celestial Entrance, being directly heavy in a sophisticated way.
The Celestine Prophercy comes forth as a solid wall of thick guitar riffs and pounding drums. I really like the way the keyboard keeps luring in the background, setting the right atmospheric background for each sequence.
Unfortunately the considerable use of vocal distortions also made in onto this one, in a few instances it can be defended but generally it's just annoying. I guess I never really understood the concept about making something solid, sound unclear and.well robotic. Take the first lines of
Enigmatic Mission as an example, I'm left wondering. This song never really gets me hooked and lacks a more melodic edge; the guitar solo is no less than astounding though.
After a thunderous opening to
Supremacy, Our Kind, a calm section with soft piano melodies and charismatic vocals create a very special mood. This is a good track intelligently mixed harder aspect with great melodies.
With
Entrance To Infinity we find one of this band's best songs so far, featuring lots of details and a smart build-up. The dreaming mid-section is wonderfully anti-stressful, mellow keys and melodic leads in great harmony.
I sometimes miss more melodic or catchy choruses from these guys, but they surely make up for some of that with this creation. Some will argue that memorable refrains and so what, is not that important in Metal music, I strongly disagree. My guess is that fans of
Symphony X will love this song, and band for that matter.
Celestial Calling is a top-notch composition from start to finish, containing numerous elements that Progressive music lovers simply love to love. As at 4:48 when the drumming hits fifth gear and the keyboard throws in a sequence of over the top notes, it's just these minor revelations that turn a great song into fantastic.
Taken has some of its strong points in the groovy bass approach and celestial key arrangements. On the other hand it's like it wants to create a bit too much and in the process it becomes fragmented and unfocused.
Resurrection Back In Time has a more clear-sighted aim and gains points through a memorable chorus and spectacular guitar moves.
The albums only calm song is called
Search For Life, primary made up by placid acoustic guitar tunes, airy keys and Nils K. Rue's harmonious vocals. The otherwise cool track has been assigned with a quite long ending not really fitting in with the first half of the song.
New World Order rounds things off with 8-minutes of diverse passages and technical brilliance. The term Power Metal really comes to its right in this one, lots of double bass drumming, frenzy keyboard soloing and additional guitar duelling, extremely vigorous riffs and effusive high tempo passages.
The two short instrumentals are successful, compelling and works as welcomed intermissions in a very compact and demanding journey. All songs are enjoyable even though some are held back due to a few unsuccessful elements.
This is impressively skilful and clever music in every aspect but have patience, this is a lot to take in at one time, it needs to slowly grow in your mind.
Fans of Progressive Metal should check this band out, they offer something highly interesting.
Written by
Tommy Monday, June 13, 2005
Show all reviews by TommyRatingsTommy: 7.5/10Members: No members have rated this album yet.
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