Apparently coming out of nowhere, this newcomer band is undoubtedly the number 1 prog-metal revelation of 1998! Their untitled debut album is actually a self-produced "demo-release", though, as we'll see later, one can hardly call such an awesome CD a "demo" (except for the duration, which is around 38 min.). Zero Hour's first album is an amazing release, which epitomizes what progressive metal really means: frequent time changes, odd riffs, twisted melodies and exotic scales, without however sacrifying power and harmony. It is loaded with bunches of crunch and heavy staccato riffs, alternating with complex melodies and calmer parts. The closest comparison which comes to mind would be a cross between the weirdness of Dream Theater's "Metropolis part I" and the crunch of DT's "Mirror". Taken individually, all musicians really display outstanding skills: the guitar player is master of syncopation and intricate melodies; the bass player is also excellent (and contrary to a frequent syndrome not cast in the background), as well as the guest keyboardists. The singer has a smooth, clear and powerful voice, indeed a typical example - yet excellent - of a prog metal vocalist. The sound and the production are equally outstanding, considered the nature of the release. Stylistically, ZH reminds of bands like Dream Theater and particularly The Quiet Room (notably for its use of a distorted guitar sound combined with a clear acoustic piano sound), but is distinctively heavier and crunchier. Almost unbelievable that this incredible prog-metal band hasn't signed with a label yet! Their full-length album is one of the most anticipated releases of 1999.