JUDGMENT

NOT OTHERWISE SPECIFIED was the moniker chosen by US composer and multi-instrumentalist Craig Kerley when he returned from a self-described 15 year hiatus as a composer and performer in 2008. And in the late spring of 2011 his return to the arts was finalized with the release of "Judgment", the end result following three years of composing and recording.

While firmly rooted in early 90's progressive metal, "Judgment" is a creation that includes a fair amount of stylistic details from other parts of the progressive rock realm too. Due to that, as well as the inclusion of a liberal amount of symphonic progressive rock flourishes, I suspect that fans of bands like Magic Pie might be something of a key audience for this release. In particular those amongst them who also tend to enjoy the likes of Dream Theater and, at least to some extent, Porcupine Tree.

Craig Kerley hails from Atlanta, Georgia and apparently he was involved with music since the 90's.Job commitments and his marriage forced him to follow a different path, but when his young sons started learning music instruments his passion for music was revived.He first appeared on Rodrigo San Martín's album ''There's no way out'' in 2010 and later he focused on his solo project Not Otherwise Specified.He launched his first work ''Judgement'' in May 2011.

Kerley has done an excellent job on instruments, vocals and sound effects, creating an album with passion for the heavier side of Prog Rock music, highlighted by a very good production and mix, and drawing influences from PORCUPINE TREE, DREAM THEATER, SPOCK'S BEARD and later-day PENDRAGON.His compositions contain punchy guitar riffing, atmospheric electric soloing somewhere along the lines of ARENA and PINK FLOYD and powerful synthesizers, typical of the modern Prog era.The music flirts with Heavy/Alternative Rock, Prog Metal and Neo Prog with emphasis on the first and is characterized by its dynamic arrangements, shifting climates and Kerley's raw vocals.A variety of tempos and the use of effects guarantee a non-tiring listening, while at moments some retro-styled keyboard lines appear, like organ and Mellotron samples.The vast majority of ''Judgement'' though follows the lines of contemporary Prog Rock, based on endless energy, atmospheric soundscapes and decent instrumental parts, split in rhythmic passages and striking melodies.The second half of the album is trully great with ''Morning'' being an absolute monster and a good guide for modern Prog multi-instrumentalists.Atmospheric fist part with great lyricism and acoustic flourishes and a bombastic second one with impressive guitar work and melancholic keyboards.

Really strong first effort by Kerley.His comeback after some 15 years of silence offers the world a powerful Heavy Prog album, often entering the Neo Prog realms.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.