BUILDING AN EMPIRE

It lacks the presence of a true drummer, and at some points suffers the absence of other musicians because despite Chapel does a very competent work, he is obviously limited at some points. Nevertheless, the production of the album is good and all the instruments sound crystal clear.

The album starts with The Perfect Symmetry, a long and intense track, with good atmospheric elements and fine vocals. Sadly the drums are too weak and towards the end the track is also too repetitive. Shine is an acoustic track, harder at the end. Not really progressive, but good nevertheless.

Shapphire contains a more modern sound, in a very North American style, especially at the chorus. It almost remembers me to Nickelback! I don't like this one, despite its intense final section. Naïve bring back the acoustic guitars, with a beginning which remembers me to Pearl Jam. After that we can hear some Devin Townsend influenced riffs and another pop-rock chorus.

Unspoken is very atmospheric, almost trip-hop. It has some resemblances with Riverside, and the interesting melodies make this song be one of the highlights of the album. Temple continues this trend with some Opeth-reminding guitars.

Empire is a mid-tempo with vocals which are too repetitive again. The voice of Chapel is nice, but his limited range makes the songs of Building an Empire a bit dull sometimes. Sand ends this album in a good way, being the longest and most progressive track of the album, despite the musical limitations of Chapel and the average musicianship.

Conclusion: if you like modern melancholic progressive rock in the vein of Riverside and Opeth, you can give this album a chance if you can stand the North American pop-rock influences in the style of Nickelback and similar acts that Chapel has.

The musicianship is good enough, and despite the repetitive long tracks the music is progressive enough to please the genre's fans. Good effort!

Best Tracks: The Perfect Symmetry, Unspoken, Sand.

My rating: ***

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