INTROSPECT

"Introspect" is the debut full-length studio album by US, Denver, Colorado based progressive metal act The Quiet Room. The album was released through Dominions Records in September 1998. The band was founded in 1992 and released two full-length studio albums before they disbanded in 2002.

The band play what I would characterize as traditional 90s progressive metal. Lots of tempo and time signature changes, excellent instrumental work, where the guitars and the keyboards are equally dominant in the soundscape, and a skilled high pitched lead vocalist. It´s definitely the musicianship that´s the greatest asset on the album, because both the sound production and especially the songwriting are a bit lacking to my ears. The former is acceptable, but lacks power (especially the guitars and the keyboards) while the latter is a bit more critical. In particular the vocal melodies/vocal lines are rather unremarkable. Sometimes to a point where it seems like lead vocalist Chadd Castor (who would leave the band after this release) is desperately seeking a melodic hook to hold on to. As a consequence he sometimes sounds strained and uncomfortable. I´m sometimes reminded of the first couple of Sieges Even albums which featured the same flaw.

...when that is said, "Introspect" isn´t a bad release by any means. It´s just that the album has the potential to be better and when that potential isn´t fulfilled it´s bound to be at least a slight disappointment. However we´re still presented with stellar instrumental performances and intriguing compositional ideas (although the tracks aren´t always put together in the most appropriate manner) enough to warrant a 3 star (60%) rating.