II

This second album by Condition Red proves that they are much more matured musically and in terms of style this one is heavier, i.e. more progressive metal, than the debut album. The music has much more clear direction as all songs contained here in this II album share similar styles combining heavy metal and neoclassical with good melody line. As for musical taste, I like this album more than the debut one because it's more energetic even though the jazz components have disappeared here. But the remaining is really stunning!

Matured musically and clearer music direction

It opens nicely with "The Warning" (1:20) through a great combination of violin and ambient keyboard which creates an overall tone of the album. It shifts wonderfully and energetically to the second track "Eye Of A Storm" (5:25) in relatively fast tempo. The key attraction point is the dynamic keyboard sound followed with heavy music with guitar riffs. It flows in power metal style accompanying Ella vocal work. The keyboard solo is really stunning throughout the track. "Cycles" (5:03) starts with keyboard solo which than flows dynamically (and interestingly!) in neoclassical style for such relatively long period followed with music riffs that brings the music flows nicely. I find many passages in this album that use similar neoclassical style like this and it makes me more interested with the music. It's stunning, really. It's like combining Rick Wakeman with progressive metal music. "Time Passes By" (4:46) slows down the music but it still an interesting track. "The Eagle's Return" (3:03) starts with drum solo and the music is similar with Iron Maiden plus stunning keyboard solo. "It's Not Too Late" (6:58) is like a ballad with great acoustic guitar work plus good vocal line by Ella augmented with nice keyboard.

"Rondo" (3:24) is presented with great guitar solo combined with string section. It's really a nice composition. "Why Won't You Hear Me?" (6:05) brings the music into more grandiose setting with excellent combination of keyboard, string section and guitar riffs followed beautifully with short keyboard solo right before Ella enters her vocal into the music. "Seven Stars" (3:42) starts wonderfully with guitar distortion and effects followed with intertwining keyboard and guitar works. "In/Out" (2:19) demonstrates good bass guitar solo followed with blast of symphonic power metal music. "Train Insane" (4:21) returns the music back into neoclassical power metal. "Out Of The Red" (2:11) closes the album with mellow style music combining keyboard and guitar fills.

Overall, this album deserves more than excellent music with its root on progressive metal using intense neoclassical metal with the sound of keyboard. The production quality is much better than the debut album. It's an excellent addition to any prog music collection with 4.5 stars rating. Highly recommended. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW (i-Rock! Music Community)