08:36:59

This is the debut of Costa Rica based progressive rock band INTROVISIÓN, released while just finishing 2010 - a big surprise according to my taste. Varied guitar appearance, fantastic keyboards and synths, a confident and powerful rhythm branch. Overall they are a modern eclectic outfit with surprising variety and experimental approach. Whilst blending elements from nearly every prog subgenre, we have a fireworks of impressions in style and mood here. '08:36:59' definitely needs several spins to capture the brilliance - so please take your time to explore.

King Crimson, Dream Theater, Giordian Knot, to name a few, must have inspired them to compose the quirky instrumental Momentum - ideally suited for the warm-up in order to open up a live gig. Coming towards the end though they decide to relax and it turns to something fusionesque like Allan Holdsworth is picking up his synthaxe - man, this is great!. I had several attempts to describe some particular songs more precise ... but I've simply failed so far because of this diversity which is a significant feature all over.

Although being more on the heavy side of life basically, they also carry it to extremes with the charming pop ballad Desenfreno - some songs are decorated with synth gimmicks, spooky samples and weird vocals. As it should be expected ... the album's highlight is the tricky 17 minute title track. A parforce run featuring symphonic traces and crimsonesque guitars. Specifically remarkable is Andrés Corrales' irresistible piano, synth and organ management. And I love the short spacey interlude in between.

Innovative - INTROVISIÓN are a livewire showing a bandwith from post metal cracker to mellow pop ballad. I dare to claim that this album is a challenge for every prog music lover who is keen on sophisticated songwriting and implementation - really freakish, full of twists and turns. Well, nowadays you often stumble over albums which begin to lack of spirit over the course, especially when they are brimful and offer more than 72 minutes playing time, like it is the case here ... no worry ... and this makes it to something essential consequently. 4.5 stars - strongly recommended!