THE DAMNATION GAME

When I listened to ''The Damnation Game'' (the album) I always wonder where is the prog stuff out there? Still, some heavy metal parts are quite convincing and catchy. But needless to say, a song as '' Dressed To Kill'' has nothing to do with prog. The band performs pure metal music as their godfathers would do (you can name them).

I quite liked their good debut album; but this one is just a poor repetition and some reprise of some great metal bands in history. And the new lead vocalist is not impressive here either IMHHO.

Some short interesting parts might sound sufficient to integrate these vocals and conform into progressive music, but I don't belong to the ones who would praise this work. ''The Damnation Game'' holds little of progressive items IMHHO. But this is a genuine characteristic of the genre, isn't' it? There is of course no question about the skilled musicians, but only the song writing is way behind the expectations.

This album is just an average album. If ever you are interested into some metal sounds (but be aware that some very average heavy rock ballad mood is to be experienced during '' Whispers''), this is probably a fine album to listen to. The global mood is not that bad, but don't count on me to consider this album as a good one.

It is a serious let down when considered to their debut. ''Damnation Game'' is only heading the metal fans, with absolutely no prog feeling. You might like it, but I don't. The great guitar play from Michael Romeo saves the work here.

Still, only two stars for this album seem acurate. Prog is absent, metal is many.