OPENING ACT

Although cannot be treated like a masterpiece ( in fact the disk are far from some new approach for symphonic-prog and the musicians are so distant of the virtuosity), but, if you are a admirer ( like me) for symphonic/hard/pop style of bands like STYX, AMBROSIA, ASIA etc... "Openning Act" from STENCIL FOREST is an album which probably you will go like to hear. Even taking in account my initial considerations, the disk in itself are full of pleasurable moments. The best of them is in the track 4 "Crossroads" with the keyboards overture and the graceful acoustic guitar accompaniment to the voice in a very close timbre from Barry Palmer (The New Triunvirat ) and the return from the initial keyboards theme ( about 1 min and 52 sec until 3 min ) and almost "crying" guitar solo. Another high point is the track 6 "The Pandemonium Shadow Show" with a great overture and a sequence with elaborated vocals in the best STYX's style a very pleasant track. Other detachable tracks are 2 "Celestial Voices" and 8 " Five Studded Poker Player". My rate is 3 stars !!!