LULLABY FOR HEROES

Maze of Time is quite unnoticed band in prog circles, they released so far 3 albums with their second one from 2008 named Lullaby for heroes being their best for sure. They are from Sweden and the music is close to neo prog with a metalize sound, but without being a prog metal band. I was really pleasent surprised by this second offer, I know this band for years since they release the firt album in 2005 and since then I was with an eye on their music. Somehow I forgot about this album and now is time for a review. From the start I want to point out that I was simply fascinated by the vocal arrangements, the voice of Jesper Landen is absolutly killer, such a great range , such powerful and fairly unique voice. The instrumental sections are very strong, tight musicianship, inventive ideas overall. The music as I said is towards neo but not in the vein of Marillion, IQ or other same names, is similar with let's say bands like Splinter, Knight Area, they incorporated some more edgy heavy prog elements in that neo atmosphere, the result is damn great. Pieces like Station to Station, superb vocal delivery, nice chorus and everything to be a good tune, Chemical Sleep, Part I & II is absolutly truly awesome, the guitar work , everything is top notch, The Great Cosmic Dream is another highlight. All in all very solid album, really really great, I never though I will like it so much. For me easy 4 stars, definetly their best from all three.