THE TRAGEDY OF LEAPS AND BOUNDS

CHAOS CODE's sophomore release arrives with a lot of changes within the band. Only lead guitarist and vocalist Cliff Phelps remains. Keyboardist Marty Saletta left to join the great band THE DARK AETHER PROJECT, while the former drummer for CEREBUS EFFECT Tom Langan is on board. What hasn't changed though is the subject of how we need to save our planet. In the liner notes is a picture of a rope that is stretched out, and hanging by a thread. The album cover depicts a Native on a horse trying to cross a highway full of cars. On the back is a picture of a field with a lot of trees that appears to be a dumping ground for wrecked vehicles.The tragedy of leaps and bounds indeed. We have progressed too fast. As for the music, it is in a similar vein as their debut just not as consistant in my opinion.

"Unity" opens with a haunting guitar and piano melody that slowly builds. This is such a great instrumental. "Another World" continues to impress as it opens with a drum, guitar and sax melody that sounds fantastic. The music stops as mellotron rolls in followed by flute and vocals. Some heaviness comes and goes as flute and sax comes back. The song ends with this amazingly tasteful guitar solo that just goes on and on. Nice. "Spacesuits And Sunglasses" opens with guitar and mellotron as drums and flute joins this mellow soundscape.The sound of glass breaking signals a change in direction. Piano leads the way as vocals, drums and guitar join in.The song ends with piano and flute.

"From Cradle To Grave" features some aggressive guitar and theatrical vocals. "Balance" is an instrumental that doesn't do a lot for me. Some good guitar late though. "A Reason To Kill" does do a lot for me. This is more like it ! This is a darker song with some great guitar. Vocals after 2 minutes. Excellent tune."The Creature Self" has this heavy 90 second intro before the song becomes calm. Keys and light drums build to original heavy melody. "Distance" is a darker, heavier song with some minor riffing early, that turns into some scorching guitar melodies. Piano and flute follow. Heavy guitar 9 minutes in with keys. A beautiful soaring guitar solo ends the song.

Well there are four songs(1, 2, 6 and 8) that measure up to their debut album, while the other four are ok to good. All in all 4 solid stars.