TALES FROM THE MAZE

I can't remember this grabbing my attention first time I listened to it. However now after numerous listens it is a firm favorite. Overall it fits well into the symphonic and Neo prog genres and would appeal to both sets of listeners, the music is melodic and varied and at times it heads towards a more metal sound with stronger riffs. Most tracks have quite long instrumental intros which is good as all the tracks except the first are quite long. Whilst several older groups influences can be heard mostly I find it contemporary Swedish and no single likeness jumps out. What jumps out is a balance between the differing instruments and at no point does anything dominate. Two tracks shine for me, track 2 "Here And Now" and track 5 "Daydreamer". The only gripe is track 1 a 39 second track that for me serves no purpose, otherwise the rest of the tracks all compliment each other to tell the Tales of the Maze. This is not a masterpiece but is an excellent first album and is thoroughly recommended to all those lovers of Scandinavian Prog.