AFTER ALL THESE YEARS

METAMORPHOSIS is a melodic symphonic rock band from Switzerland lead by the composer, vocalist, keyboardist and drummer Jean-Pierre Schenk. They have released an album titled "After All These Years" which is distributed by the magnificent label Galileo Records. METAMORPHOSIS suits the Galileo label perfect, as the music is reminiscent to many of the bands on the label such as FORGOTTEN SUNS and METAPHOR. You can also hear influences from ELOY, GENESIS, MARILLION and PINK FLOYD. The music is beautiful and there's no doubt that Jean-Pierre is a talented guy. My only criticism would be that the music is a little bit too laid-back too often. When there's a musical passage that you suppose should be bombastic or heavier than the rest of the composition, it just doesn't reach that point. There's really no edge in the music except for a few tracks, but on the other hand this might be intentional. However it's a really promising release although it doesn't reach the same high standard as the other Galileo bands. METAMORPHOSIS' second CD should be released in the autumn 2003.

After hearing Metamorphosis second album, I was eager to get to know their other releases. And I was quite surprised how powerful was Metamorphosis debut. It is a mix of symphonic and neo prog styles, with a strong Pink Floyd influence. Actually latter-day PF is their most obvious role model, with some Pendragon and early Genesis overtones, but still the music of Metamorphosis has its own face and sound. Jean-Pierre Schenk is a talented songwriter and skillful musician. His voice is quite fitting for his music too. Nothing too bombastic or heavy, just plain melodic progressive music, with some fine guitar solos. And I like it!

Production is very good and Schenk has the help of some fine musicians on this project. The arrangements are tasteful and there are no real highlights, the album as a whole is very good. I wouldn´t call After All This Years a masterpiece but it is surely a fine addtion to any prog collection. Specially if you like a more laid back prog, with great melodies. Something between 3,5 to 4 stars. Very good release from this swiss band.

Swiss bands aren't that many; be it prog or just rock.

For sure, the music is not too original and a certain Floyd influence is noticeable (just listen to the very good but very Gilmouresque guitar solo during the opening and title track). Things get a little worse with the second and fully neo track "New Lords". As you might have understood, some features of "when they were four" are available on this song. OK, no harm is being done, but again: originality is not the strong point here.

The downhill goes on with the weak "Didn't We Know". Pastiche, no feeling, not much of a good song to be honest. If some elements of symphonic prog were available during the opening number, I have to say that it is not the case any longer with the remaining songs from this album. Don't get me wrong: the music is well performed, but the compositions are just average.

Some definite jump into Gabriel's solo repertoire (which I have never really appreciated and therefore never have reviewed) with the short "No One's Home" is not to reassure my thoughts; but that's what we have to face. Even if a song as "Another Day" features an elegant guitar part.

The attraction of sounding like PG is a bit too much for me (but not the theatrical one from the early "Genesis" days). It is again the case when one reaches "Not Far From Heaven". Well performed but too serious and predictable.

The closing track is almost a joke: some sort of mix between "Supper's Ready" (the "Apocalypse" part) and some prog metal lines. You can take this, but I leave it.

After a very good start, this album is somewhat disappointing. A good work though, but no more than three stars can top this review.

Metamorphosis - After All These Years (2002)

Swiss neo-prog project by Jean-Pierre Schenk. Though a bit typical for the genre, I must admit I have a sweat spot for this man and his melancholy symphonic rock. 'Then All Was Silent' is a long-time favorite concept album of mine. From the get go 'After All These Years' starts with a sombre melody and vocals. Without the concept feel the lyrics tend towards the politically & socially naive, but somehow Schenk charmes his way through. With his Marillion-like seriousness and personal - if not dramatic performance he rises above the bulk of neo-prog acts. I sometimes just feel understood by this music. Throughout the album Metamorphosis thrives in simple but moving musical ideas, with little noodling. Some of the electric guitars are played beautifully and add to the atmospheric Floydian approach. Bass and drums are there to support keyboards, guitar and vocals. With a running time of 65 minutes this album could have easily been strengthened in the cutting room, though I must admit I listen to it for its relaxing take on the genre. Production and sound is fine as well. Three and a halve stars.