FROM WITHIN

I have read the info about the band and I thought that I should listen to them. By the first songs you can understand that these guys know how to use their instruments. But then enters the voice which is at least mediocre. Typical italian singer trying to sing english. Even if many bands have a lack of good vocals,these ones are pretty bad to my opinion. Also apart from the vocals, they have a lot of power metal influences which I usually avoid(only Symphony X mix them in their balanced music) and they are not so authentic because they remind me Dream Theater a lot. Of course everyone is ibfluenced by the prog giants but not so obviously. General, this album has good ideas and some songs are nice that is why I consider it pretty good but not at all essential.

The second release from Astra has these guys on fire. Love this collection. Heavy, strong at times, progressive and lyrical at times, but always serious rocking metal. Lots of hummable melodies, lots of awesome guitar and keyboard work, drumming is great, and vocals kick ass. There is a definite link to the power metal band DGM, since vocalist Titta Tani, and keyboardist Emanuele Casali were doing double duty for a few cds. I don't think there is a bad cut on the disc. The first 3 cuts are very strong, the next 2 are a little more gentle, and then it just rips until the last cut which is an incredible tribute to Queen, more so Freddie Mercury. A beautiful way to end this very solid sophomore release from a band I hope will be around for a long time. Almost forgot to mention song #8. It strikes me as a strange tribute to Styx, but maybe I'm crazy. Would love to know others opinions on the question. The intro and chorus just scream Styx to me, and that is maybe because I haven't taken my meds today...