THE ENEMY INSIDE

Wholesale changes in the lineup here as we get a new vocalist, keyboardist and bass player. The great Chris Quirante (REDEMPTION) is back on drums and lead guitarist Sean Entrikin is also back. Like the last album "The Tragedy Of Innocence" we have a concept album here.

"The Enemy Inside (Part 1)" is an instrumental and it hits us with an all out assault right off the bat. It settles some before a minute with tasteful guitar as the drums pound away. It kicks back in and blends into "The Enemy Inside (Part 2)". Such a nice rich sound with chunky bass and synths. Vocals join in and I don't like them as much as the previous singer but they're good regardless. Lots of bottom end as the sound gets fuller. It kicks in as the tempo picks up before settling and blending into "The Enemy Inside (Part 3)". The tempo eventually picks up with guitar in front before settling then building to a heavy sound. Some Tipton-like guitar here. A calm with piano as it blends into "The Enemy Inside (Part 4)". Fragile vocals join in. Guitar after 3 minutes.

"The Enemy Inside (Part 5)" gets pretty heavy with riffs before ending with piano. "Inflicted" opens with crunchy guitar and it kicks in quickly. Vocals follow. It settles around a minute. Fat bass as it kicks back in. "Disillusion" opens with a stampede of drums with huge bass lines. Guitar then vocals follow. The tempo proceeds to change often. "Edge Of Discovery" opens with synths as a full sound comes in quickly. Vocals follow. It settles with some great sounding bass. Contrasts between heavy and calm continue. "Trial And Tragedy" opens with some nice guitar as drums, bass and synths join in. It settles before 2 1/2 minutes as vocals follow. The organ after 7 minutes is ripping it up. Guitar a minute later. A calm 9 minutes in. Great sound before 13 minutes. More huge bass after 14 minutes and organ follows in this over 20 minute epic.

This just isn't as good as their last album, which to be honest was a low 4 stars for me.

Third time out for this US band, and the end result is an album I'd have to describe as promising.

Progressive metal is the name of the game here, and of a variety that I gather many would describe as typical. Not quite in the manner of Dream Theater or Symphony X but related to both, with some passages closer to Norwegian outfit Magic Pie in sound: Organ dominated pieces where the guitars and metal aspects are takingmore of a back seat.

Prymary construct quite a few intriguing atmospheres throughout, and I do enjoy the quirky riffs and rhytms often provided as well. That the music is rather dark and bleak at times is an additional bonus. However, frantic, almost chaotic changes is a rather constant factor at play in these compositions too, and for me this leaves an impression of a general lack of coherence. Too many songs and ideas compressed into the individual composition if you like.

Prymary is a talented act, but doesn't quite manage to fulfill their potential on this album in my opinion. Those who like dark and quirky progressive metal might want to give this one a shot though. Especially if they like bands sticking to the classic sound of the genre.

Prymary are a Progressive Rock/Metal band from Southern California that came together in 2000 and decided from the beginning that they were going to play exactly what they wanted without necessarily fitting within any musical genre. This has allowed them in turn to bring together lots of different styles and they have delivered their own version of prog rock/metal with the emphasis on musicianship, melody, and complex rhythms. Their debut self titled and independently financed album was released in 2003 by the band and to promote it they performed with bands such as Fates Warning, King's X, Spock's Beard, and Enchant. After the success of their second album 'The Tragedy Of Innocence' the band turned their attention to this their third, which was released in 2009.

What makes this album stand out so much for me is the way that the band are at home whatever they are doing, so if it is gentle keyboards and vocals then it is a masterclass, but it feels the same way if the band are upping the ante and getting much more in your face and it is somewhat surprising that these guys aren't more well known as they are superb musicians. I hesitate to pick on just one stand out, but there are passages within the five section opening number where guitarist Sean Entrikin shreds in a way that wouldn't sound out of place with Dragonforce.

This is album packed with light and shade, piano over the top of blasting guitars being just one of the highlights, and the feeling throughout is that of a band at the very top of their game ? begging the question just why aren't these guys more well known? A bill of these guys supporting Dream Theater would be a match made in heaven and I strongly urge those who like their metal melodic, or their prog to have balls, to search this out at once if not sooner. www.progrockrecords.com