SNOOZE

FORGOTTEN SUNS are from Portugal and this their second record is a concept double album. I enjoy their sound, it's on the heavy side at times but considering this is a concept album the focus is mostly on the lyrics. The vocals are in English with an accent, actually I was reminded of Marco from SYLVAN many times. Lots of keyboards and prominant bass as well. Aparently the concept deals with this man who through his dreams ("Snooze") is able to deal with things from his past that still bother him.

"Dreaming Of Reality" opens with someone yelling out then the song kicks in with an uptempo melody. The tempo shifts quite often. Vocals 2 1/2 minutes in. It blends into "Senses" where we get some brief heaviness after 1 1/2 minutes. This is also an uptempo track. I like the synths when it settles after 6 minutes. It's heavy again 8 minutes in. "Strange Affair With The Night" is one of my favourites. It opens with keyboards and is a brighter track that makes me feel good. The guitar comes in as the sound gets fuller. Reserved vocals before 2 minutes. I like this, especially with the background synths. A tasteful guitar solo comes in before 7 1/2 minutes to the end of the song. "Dream Killer" is the almost 20 minute epic. Almost spoken vocals to open. It kicks in before a minute. I like the sound of the guitar 4 1/2 minutes in. A calm 7 minutes in with those almost spoken vocals again. Riffs before 13 minutes. An enjoyable bass, drum and guitar melody before 16 minutes and later at 18 minutes. "Floating Spirit" is a cool sounding song with synths,vocals and acoustic guitar. "Pay The Price" ends disc one. Synths to open followed by some heaviness. Vocals after a minute. It's an ok tune.

"Struggle" opens with these processed vocals (yikes). Fortunately it kicks in with some good guitar then bass 1 1/2 minutes in. Vocals and heavy drums follow. It settles with piano after 2 1/2 minutes. It stays fairly calm as guitar, bass and vocals come in. Then it kicks in before settling again. I like the soaring guitar 10 1/2 minutes in. "Death" features reserved vocals and piano throughout. "Angels' Embrace" opens with piano as vocals join in. This one is mellow like the last track. Great sound 3 1/2 minutes in. "A Truce" is a short piece with keyboards and vocals. "The Final Sentence" opens with strummed guitar as vocals join in. Haunting synths here. I really like this sound. It kicks in before 5 1/2 minutes with electric guitar. He reminds me of Marco a lot right here.

Lots to like here, but also (as with most double albums) there's a fair amount of music that's just ok.