A SOCIAL GRACE

"A Social Grace" is the debut album of a to this time very unknown band. The production is dry and is partly poorly conceived, but already genius and a perspective to their later releases and the brilliance of the band. Very original is the vocalist, Buddy Lackey, playing the flute and the keyboard sometimes as well, who sticks out with his "progressive" voice, making the music very special, definitely one reason for their greatness. Psychotic Waltz combine complex music, never as exaggerated as for example "Watchtower", with soft and very atmospheric parts, which kind of loosens the music, but as well supports the technical side. Some tracks like "Halo of Thorns" develop from a soft ballad to a heavy technical track. In a track, like "Another Prophet Song", you have a complex song split with a softer, atmospheric guitar arpeggio and some background synths. Great band with a stunning debut, the sound is not that good, except you have the remastered version, where the sound improved very much. Psychotic Waltz connect complex, heavy music at the highest stage with melody and atmosphere. One of the best prog-metal albums ever!