XERXES

One of the most obscure prog metal bands from early '90 is for sure Xerxes, but I can say in same time that is one of the most intresting one aswell. With a quite short career, formed around 1986 untill 1999 the year when they gone into oblivion. They are from Switzerland and released only one album, besides 2 EP, in 1993 named Beyond my imagination. Well, this is more then instresting album, it sounds like a folk progressive metal, very nice long elaborated pieces, 4 out of 5 are above 6 min, with 2 around 10 and 12 min. Strong songwriting, nice tempo changes from mellow folkish prog to more up tempo parts, sophisticated passages, very nice vocal parts, musicianship is top, what else an album to investigate. Opening track Longing or Time for revolution are excellent pieces, showing big potential in prog metal field, with all that they lost along the highway and finally disbanded around 1999.

Not an every day type of prog metal, but strongly original in most parts, even some influences are present here and there from bands such Sieges Even on their prog metal side and from Red Jasper from folk parts, but the resul is quite strong from start to finish.

Unfairly forgotten album, but I think they need a far more recognition, Beyond my imagination is a great addition to anyones collection. 3.5 stars, worth it.