THE LOTUS EFFECT

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Well I must confess disappointment with this latest album from SUN CAGED. I loved the first two and really thought this one would continue the streak. From the cover art to how mellow this often is with the vocals being the focus this is a let down. At times we get probably some of their heaviest work but they are brief and often loud and noisy. Mostly this seems to focus on the lyrics like most concept albums do. And at 72 minutes this is too long.

"Seam Ripper (& The Blanket Statement)" is experimental and mellow to start. Like you want to turn it up, then bang ! That loud and noisy sound kicks in. It does level out quickly though with vocals coming in after 1 1/2 minutes.This reminds me of ENCHANT only a little heavier.

"Tip-Toe The Fault-Line" is heavy to start and vocals come in around a minute as it settles back.The riffs kick back in though. Drums lead then synths after 3 1/2 minutes when the vocals stop. Guitar is next then the vocals return.

"Ashes To Ear" opens with piano then a nice crunchy sound comes in.Vocals follow then a guitar solo 3 minutes in followed by piano.Vocals are back.

"Shades Of Hades" is heavy with processed vocals early. A bass / drum solo before 2 minutes then the vocals return with a full sound. "Reductio Ad Absurdum" is a mellow ENCHANT-like song. "On Again / Off Again" kicks in right away and vocals and piano arrive before a minute.

"Lotus" is the one song that i really enjoy. Reserved vocals early and I really like when the sound gets fuller. Atmosphere ends it. "Parlidolized (The Ocean In The Shell)" is laid back with vocals a minute in. Heaviness comes and goes.The relaxed guitar solo around 4 1/2 minutes is good.

The next five short tracks blend into one another until we get to the closer "Let It Wash Away (The Lotus Effect)". Piano and vocals to start.It picks up before a minute and does get a little heavier later.

I'm thankful to have their first two albums but this one unfortunately doesn't measure up.

The lotus effect is the last offer to date of this dutch prog metal band. Released in 2011 at same LionMusic, this album was something of a let down from previous one. I mean this not bad at all but far from greatneass of previous album Artemisa. Another long album clocking around 70 min overall, this time Sun Caged optain for a crunchier and more heavier passages in places. The voice is again good, the solos of Coenen are ok, the drums ok, then what's missing? I guess solid and captivating song writting, they all handle the instruments very well but is not enough, is needed memorable and intresting passages to be found. Here on this album almost all pieces sound the same, and because they incorporated in some parts heavier sections is not totaly for my kind , really. Anyway some good tunes are present like Tip-Toe the Fault-Line , a very strong prog metal piece with blistering keyboards are faultless musicianship, another worthy one is On Again/Off Again, the rest are ok but nothing more. So overall 3 stars for this new Sun Caged album, less intresting and enjoyble then previous one Artemisia.