LAST MILLENIUM?

Overlife is a progressive metal band from Spain very little known in this circles, with 3 albums in their pocket released so far. Last millenium is the second offer and their best, released in 2001 at Goldtrack records. Besides the fact that the voice is ok is far from being intresting, (is the new voice of the band, on the first album was another vocalist,) here are some great if not spectacular instrumental passages. 3 long tracks clocking over 10 min and some around 6-7 min, Overlife manage to bring some great musicianship with this album, a perfect example is pieces like Sleepers, Riding through my mind or instrumental one Eclipse. Very good rhythmic section, the drumer is sure of his instrument and has some top notch chops , like the guitarist who has some fine moments here combining slow moments with more complex and up tempo. Overall a pretty decent progressive metal album, with some good towards great moments but is damn shame that the album is drag down by the unintresting vocalist. Not among best albums ever in prog metal field but I guess fans of the genre can take some spins. 3 stars for sure, good cover art and art work of the CD.

This appears to be a concept album, but with just a cardboard promo sleeve, I haven't been able to read the lyrics. One thing is sure though, and that is that the twin guitarists can hit the notes at some speed. This album goes through many musical influences, and consequently is a very interesting listen. Overlife are Spanish, but all of the lyrics are in English, and "In The Shadow" is about as heavy a prog metal track, as you are ever likely to hear.

With their use of complex arrangements, they probably have more in common with Savatage than many of their European counterparts. This is an album that is probably too heavy for most proggers but if you like your rock complex and rich then this is one to discover.

Originally appeared in Feedback #62, May 01