TRANSCENDENTAL

3.5 stars. TO-MERA are a female fronted (vocals) Prog-Metal band from the UK. These guys can play and I really like Julie Kiss' vocals, but something is missing for me. Funny but I read Dean's review as I sat down to write mine and he had some of the same thoughts as I did in that regard.

"Traces" is my favourite and I wish they sort of stuck to this dark, atmospheric style throughout this album. Julie sings these haunting vocal melodies to open and when she stops the electric guitar eventually comes in joined by the drums. Piano only to end it. "Blood" is a good song with some Power-Metal flourishes. "Dreadful Angel" opens heavily as vocals almost whisper in between these heavy outbursts. A calm 1 1/2 minutes in then the guitar breaks out a minute later. Check out the jazzy calm 3 1/2 minutes in. The contrasts of calm and heavy continue.

"Phantoms" is heavy with vocals until we get a 2 minute calm then it kicks in again. "Born Of Ashes" opens with reserved vocals and acoustic guitar. Then this epic sounding passage takes over only to be replaced by an uptempo and powerful soundscape. "Parfum" opens with piano then soft vocals and acoustic guitar come in. It turns dark and heavy before 2 minutes. Check out the drumming. Great section. Vocals are back. "Obscure Oblivion" kicks in around 1 1/2 minutes then settles with piano a minute later. It's heavy again after 3 minutes. Nice guitar a minute later. I like the heaviness that takes over before a minute in "Realm Of Dreams". Vocals follow.The contrasts of heavy and calm continue.

Lots to like here but I just can't get into it enough to offer up 4 stars. Time may change that.