LIVE IN POLAND - RESONANCE

Near the end of the interview segment in the bonus features, the lads explain why they are happy and musically free in 2007. After struggling back in the early years for fame and glory they have traded those younger man's aspirations for the freedom to do what they want musically. They don't have to care about selling a million albums anymore, they only have to care that they're having a good time and making music they care about. It really shows. While I'm not an expert on their past even I can recognize that these guys are playing with a renewed commitment and an energy of guys 15 years younger. They made clear they can do anything they want now musically and it must be a fulfilling position to be in.

The show takes place in a gorgeous theater in Poland and the stage set is cool, quite futuristic. The band is in fine form as they crank out about half a set of material from their latest "Empires Never Last" album and about half from older albums. The last three songs from Empires were a particularly effective ending for the show, contemporary and rocking. Nicholson does an amazing job pulling off his live vocal, hitting every note and every bit the passion of Labrie, Sowden, Fish, or Hogarth.

They make excellent choices for the production. The sound is great and the all important visual work is clean with no annoying effects, and nice clear shots of the band members. Sometimes the edits get a bit rapid fire but for the most part not. Recommended to neo-prog fans and to fans of lighter prog-metal. Extras include a good interview, a band rockumentary and photos. I think they are a good band with good songs but that's as far as I can personally go, I can't quite put them up in my 4-star club.