EXTENSION OF THE WISH - THE FINAL EXTENSION

These guys have great technical abilities and I was turned off at first by the speed of the guitar and especially the keys. But this isn't an album that is all speed and no melody, in fact there is a lot of variety. I really like the way the synths are used in the background at times and the vocals are pretty good except when he gets aggressive and his voice is kind of gruff. But again, the dislikes I have for this album are short passages. I should mention that this is a re-recording of their debut album with a different vocalist.

"The Words Unspoken" open with a beautiful guitar melody that brings to mind IRON MAIDEN. There is some scorching guitar solos to follow and actually there is incredible guitar throughout this song. Vocals are just okay though. Still this is a great way to open the record. "Crescendo Of Thoughts" is a hard driving tune. I like the chorus better than the verses because it's lighter and more melodic and the vocals aren't gruff. "In The Deepest Of Waters" features some very heavy riffs and guitar solos. Vocals come in after 2 minutes as the sound softens with synths.This contrast continues. Good tune. "Star Shooter Supreme" is fast paced from the start and I like the way the guitars grind it out. The vocals remind me of Mr.Oliva from SAVATAGE, kind of rough and I tire of them quickly.

"Chameleon Carnival" is an amazing instrumental ! It opens with a wall of guitars and a flury of keys. The drumming is outstanding and the highlight for me are the raw sounding guitar melodies after 4 minutes. "Extension Of The Wish" is another highlight opening with piano and synths before some light drums come in. The song gets heavier with some scorching guitar. The extended instrumental passages are fantastic. "Arch Angel" is another good one although his vocals get aggressive at times. "Journey Of Polyspheric Experience" has some great vocals and the keys are swirling while the guitars are grinding it out. Nice long guitar solo to end song. The final song "Eclipse" is a ballad that opens with piano, synths and gentle guitar. The song gets heavier. This is a powerful song and a fine way to end the ride.

These guys from Sweden have come up with a complex yet melodic album that many Prog-Metal fans will enjoy. 3.5 stars.