JAMES LABRIE'S MULLMUZZLER 2

Mullmuzzler 2 is the second album from Mullmuzzler. Mullmuzzler is a project band created by vocalist James LaBrie of Dream Theater. Mullmuzzler will probably appeal to some fans of Dream Theater but it won´t be the fans of Dream Theater´s more complex compositions but rather those fans who like an album like Falling Into Infinity.

There are really no surprises if you have already heard the debut Keep It to Yourself from Mullmuzzler which was released in 1999. The style is much the same which means soft progressive metal with the emphasis on song melodies and not complex playing or intricate arrangements. The songs are for the most part pretty good but doesn´t really appeal much to me. The quality is high though.

There are both harder edged progressive songs like Afterlife and Venice Burning on the album, but there are also room for ballads like Falling and Believe. Most of the songs are mid paced heavy rock songs though. Confronting the Devil and Stranger ( with a very Dream Theater sounding keyboard riff) are good examples of that style.

The musicianship is really good and you have some of the best progressive metal musicians in the world contributing on the album. Mike Mangini ( Steve Vai) on drums, Mike Keneally ( Frank Zappa, Steve Vai, Solo) on guitars and Trent Gardner ( Magellan, Explorers Club) on keyboards.

The production is very similar to the one on the debut which means it´s clean and professional sounding but a bit cold.

The coverart isn´t the most beautiful thing and actually would suit a RIO band better.

I think this is a very average prog metal album. I´ll rate it 3 small stars because I can´t deny the quality in the compositions, but this is not music I would normally use my time listening to. For that it is way too generic. Don´t automatically buy this because you´re a Dream Theater fan. Take a listen before you buy this or you might be disappointed.