I`ve heard good things about this band on the internet which really caught my attention. The cd has been out for a while, but only available through their website and Dream Disc in USA. Well, the wait is over and the disc has had some well deserved spins in the cd player. For a self- financed cd it`s rather well sounding and the production job is well done. The first thing you notice is the vocals, for two reasons, first, the vocalist does not have the typical high pitched vocal style of most prog /heavy metal bands today, he is more like a baritone singer. Second, the vocals is very clear and a bit high in the mix compared to other releases. Neither of the above mentioned things are negative in any way. This is one of the reasons this band has managed to create their own identity which is not easy in these days of prog metal.
Being a five- piece consisting of two guitarists and no keyboards you would suppose their music to be rather heavy, on some songs they are too, but they have managed to balance the cd with some superb aor/semi progressive songs too. It`s obvious they have roots both in the melodic heavy and progressive music style.
The opening track "The damnation game" is a pretty heavy affair with some nice progressive touches and a wonderful chorus. Track two "Clearer and clearer" is good follow up and continue the melodic heavy style, but with less progressive touches, again with a super chorus and a nice guitar duel solo.
The quality of the first songs is very guiding for the following songs on this cd, as they all keep up the same good quality. We even hear the band slow it down in parts of some songs, which is really necessary to create the variation and diversity that characterize a good cd. Worth noticing is that the band is daring enough to do a cover of the band Depeche Mode`s song "Everything Counts" which works out very well actually. Don`t be frightened by this. The songs sounds nothing like the original and it`s hard to even hear it`s the same song.
The cd has 12 songs, not a filler in sight. It might take a few spins to get into this cd, but once you do, you`re hooked. If you like progressive metal as well as melodic heavy, with duel guitars, good vocals and excellent choruses, this cd is for you.