SEEDS OF RAGE

The first album of Eldritch has introduced a new sound in progressive metal, the 'Eldritch' sound. This can be defined by a mix of power prog metal with US influences, primarily in the guitar work, and some weird, dark tunes and melodies, characteristic of this band.

Even though the album is not a masterpiece, Eldritch have left their personal stigma on it. It starts with a powerful song (Incurably ill) where some Dream Theater influences are revealed. It is clearly a power-prog metal sound with nice melodic moments, while Under this Ground continues on the same tempo introducing some strange melodies. The music is based on mid-tempos with many 'clean' guitar breaks.

The record also contains some less impressive moments (I Don't Know Why, Chalice of Insanity) but there are also highlights such as Colors, including weird tunes, great melodies and progressive piano breaks (reminding a bit of Shadow Gallery). There are also some influences from Sieges Even (Ultimate solution), making this a rather diverse and impressive debut.

Despite the fact that Seeds of Rage ends with three consecutive 'uninteresting' tracks, it's still a remarkable first effort from an Italian band that will leave its stain on progressive metal.

Debute album of this italian prog metal band is quite good with some great instrumental passages and great musicianship. I was surprised to see how low rated is, wonder why, is not a bad album, not by far. Eldritch shows from the beggining that they have good ideas in this field and besides good compositions and good vocals arrangements, they don't copy at all Dream Theater, they had from the stars an unique sound, delivered on next albums, specialy the next two who are in same vein, solid and damn great. Tachnical progressive metal woth some fine keybords additioned, make from this album a winner. Some techno thrash riffs interluded brilliantly with prog metal elements makes from Eldritch a very solid and very intristing band in this zone. All pieces stands as good towards great, not a weak moment here. Lots of breaks, turns, great druming and very solid guitar parts. I realy don't understand why is so low rated here, is one of the good albums from the '90's in prog metal zone. Their first three albums are their best from the catalogue, recommended all 3, specialy the second one and third.