EXTENSION OF THE WISH - THE FINAL EXTENSION

Swedish Prog metallers Andromeda made their debut with "Extension of the wish" in 2001. The vocals throughout the album were provided by Lawrence Mackrory. Mackrory left the band around the time the album was released, to be replaced by David Fremberg who remains in the line up today. As a result of this change, all the vocals for the album were re-recorded by Fremberg in August 2001, and two additional tracks added. Hence we have this version of the album dubbed the "Final extension". It should be noted that the original instrumental recordings of the 7 tracks which made up the first release are used again here (although they have been remixed), only the vocals are new.

In terms of sound quality this version of the album is excellent, the separation of the instruments being particularly notable. The guitar work of principal band composer Johan Reinholdz is of a consistently high standard occasionally being multi tracked.

It is though the vocals which will be subject to scrutiny by fans of the band, especially those who have the original album. As this is the only version I have, I cannot comment on whether these vocals here represent an improvement. What I would say though is that while David Fremberg is a competent singer with a style of delivery which lends itself well to this genre of music, I find little here to distinguish him from his peers. The songs are carried along by the quality of the arrangements and the instrumental prowess of the band. I can only assume that the re-recording of the album was as much as anything a political exercise, and an excuse to do some remixing.

The songs here are pretty standard prog metal fare with frantic drums and power chords a-plenty. There is a sameness about the tracks which tend to sound good individually but lack the diversity required to make up a set which retains the attention throughout. Only the final couple of tracks, "Arch angel" and the title song offer something a little different in the form of slightly softer passages, but even these simply serve to counterpoint the usual style which otherwise prevails.

This release contains two additional tracks not present on the first album. These two songs break with the policy throughout the original version, whereby Johan Reinoldz monopolises the song-writing. "Journey of polyspheric experience" is co-written by Rienholdz with new singer David Fremberg while "Eclipse" is keyboard player Martin Hedin's baby. Both songs were recorded when this version of the album was being put together. Of these, "Eclipse" is quite different being a metal ballad.

In all, an album for the faithful. Even they though may yearn for more diversity while appreciating the quality of the performances.

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