WOUNDED

Enchant's debut, 'A Blueprint of the World', caused a bit of a stir in the prog world when it was released back in 1993. With a combination of good songwriting and solid musicianship, catchy hooks and a sound that would appeal to fans of old progressive rock or the rising progressive metal scene, expectations were high for its follow-up.

Sadly, they're expectations that I feel the band couldn't live up to.

Now, don't get me wrong, I love Enchant, but 'Wounded' has always been that little hiccup in their discography where things just don't click for me. As before, the musicianship is impeccable and Ted Leonard's vocals are fantastic as always, but the songs just "aren't happening" as they were before.

There are a few highlights, though. Tracks like 'Below Zero', 'Pure', 'Hostile World' and 'Missing' are all good, and in fact, none of the songs are bad, but they're just not overly memorable either, especially when compared to the bands later material.

Enchant are one of my favourite groups, and it pains me to say this, but 'Wounded' is just an all-round forgettable release.