ABRAXAS (NEMESIS)

This second album by Hungarian band AGE OF NEMESIS, here still under the shorter name obviously contains the material that will be released in better quality and with English vocals seven years later under the title "Psychogeist". Unless for the ones preferring the lyrics in native language I'd recommend to go for the newer edition. Very good band though doing progmetal much in DREAM THEATER vein with an excellent singer and highly talented musicians. Songs are quite tough but very melodic at the same time. Positive to mention that unlike DT they're avoiding lengthy "solo masturbations". I'd like to recommend checking out this band to all folks who are into that kind of stuff!

Just one year after having released their self titled debut album Nemesis return with their second release called Abraxas. Pretty soon you would say, but for somebody who likes the band like myself it was great news.

From the start you notice the change of sound , it is a rawer sound compared to the previous record in spite of the fact that they worked in the same studio with the same producer. But it is a sound which really calls for good speakers. I would compare it to the change Dream Theater made from the sound of Images and Words to the sound you have on Awake. Yes, yes Dream Theater again. it seems that every review which is written on Nemesis must involve the American progressive gods :) .

And flawless progressive metal it is again what we hear on this album. No instrument sticks out, there is a perfect balance between them, and when there is time for a solo, the other instruments accompany perfectly. Both guitar and keyboard deliver stunning solos and melodies which speaks of the musical skills of the band members. The musical scale which is throdden here is large and there is no danger of getting bored at no time. There are no unnecessary musical ego-trips from none of the band members, which is to be hailed. The aim is to have an opus where every instrument is convincing both alone and in this orchestra called Nemesis as well. Bass is clear and audible, which is not very common, and just comes to praise the good production.

The album encloses a little story called "Psychogeist" which include tracks 3-8. The storyline is to be found on the band's page on the site of Magna Carta Records, cause they re-released the album in a new version with a new vocalist and with English lyrics. On this record we still have the line up which was performing on the debut album. It was to be the last album with Thorday Akos (R.I.P) on vocals. And what a performance it is. He already delivered something special on the first album, but I would say, this sounds even better. The highlight of the album, both what musical skills and vocals concerns is: Mama Sir. I think even if you wont understand what he sings about you will be able to feel it. But nowadays you can grab the English version to find out what the songs are all about. The track "Hüseg" is an instrumental one, and proves that even without vocals the band delivers something magical. There is feeling, there is passion, there is life in the vocals. To all these come lyrics which are very exigent and truly inspired.

Great album! Great music! Great musicians!!