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Circus Maximus - The 1st Chapter CD (album) cover

THE 1ST CHAPTER

Circus Maximus

 

Progressive Metal

3.82 | 216 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

ProgBagel
Prog Reviewer
3 stars Circus Maximus - The 1st Chapter 3.8 stars

This is one of the few bands that actually deserve the title of 'DT-Clones', but don't forget to put a huge portion of Symphony X in there too. The line-up consists of Michael Eriksen on vocals, Mats Haugen on guitar, Truls Haugen on drums, Espen Storø on keys and finally Glen Cato Møllen on bass. This album is a perfect mix of Scenes and The Odyssey, done exceptionally well. The guitar and keyboard sound will blow you away; the solos are very crafty once again reminiscent of Symphony X and Dream Theater. The thing I liked most about this band was obviously a perfect blend of the aforementioned bands, but also they unique melodies and excellent chorus work done. The singer in particular is one of the reasons why the choruses sound so exuberant. He has a pretty decent voice even though he sings in a sort of power metal vein, but not the bad kind. Even on my least favorite tracks on the album, I still find the chorus work done to be stellar. There are two tracks in particular that too similar to Dream Theater and Symphony X tracks. 'Biosphere' as exactly like 'The Dance of Eternity' and the title track is so very similar to 'The Odyssey'. Still 'Biosphere' was an excellent instrumental while the title track was very lacking.

Most of the songs on here are very well done and composed. There are still a few tracks that don't hold too much steam, but there is nothing too terrible about this album, except possibly the title track. Otherwise every song on the album is pretty good and then there are some that are really kick-ass. I would recommend this to any fans of Dream Theater and Symphony X.you'll find something nice on this one. Prog-metal fans in general shouldn't be too afraid to get this either. If you are a DT hater stay far away, you'll hate this one too and if not a prog-metal fan in general, then look the other way.

I'm looking very forward to the second chapter. This was a great album.

ProgBagel | 3/5 |

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