Metal Reviews

I've had this for the last 5-7 days and it has not left my player once. I'm really enjoying this one. I agree with many of you on many different points. I have the last CD and I could not get into it. I equally had issues with "V". I don't know why. I sampled "Serpent's Kiss" on their MySpace and instantly loved it. Once I heard this CD in it's entirety I was blown away. It has so many different complexities that I never get bored listening.

I 've found that with many prog/power type bands that after the first two songs I'm bored as hell. The straight ahead double base drum approach really tires after a few CD's of the same ole' thing. That's why I have trouble with the newer power-metal bands. (eh hem Dragonforce types) It's very uninspired to me. This has a great mixture of styles.

I also agree that this and the new Redemption are incredible. Both bands have really stepped it up in my opinion. At the same time I find Dream Theater becoming stale. That's not to say that DT are losing their technical ability it's just that the new DT cd isn't as good as this CD or Remption's imo. In fact I don't feel that Systematic Chaos is as good as the last two DT cd's. I love Octavarium and Train of Thought.

You should check out the band Wuthering Heights and the album The Shadow Cabinet. I think you would like it judging from what you said above, although it doesn't sound a bit like Symphony X it's power/prog metal thats a bit more complicated - and to you maybe a bit more inspired than the usual stuff.

damn, i never got into the odyssey, but this really kicks...

I think their production has improved. The cheese synths are largely gone.

Man I wish I hadn't thought of these guys as a wanky Dream Theater type band for so long, they actually know how to write good riffs and stuff

i find them way more entertaining than dream theater, and had the same thoughts as you a loooong while. this is a little more straight forward, and i love it like that

I saw them last night at Starland Ballroom. They were phemoninal! Much better then when I saw them earlier in the tour in Poughkeepsie and BB Kings in May. Paradise Lost is brilliant!