V - THE NEW MYTHOLOGY SUITE

Lately I have been getting more into prog metal territory , mainly thanks to buying records that suit my tastes. V:The new mythology suite is one of them to describe this record in a single sentence I would say that while it's progressive it has much aspects in common with Power Metal specially the drums and fast guitars. Like many users said before , the record has a symphonic feel all around: Featuring incredible vocal harmonies and catchy chouruses , some cheese as well but this is prog metal and you always have some of it. Lyrically the album is a mixture of tales from ancent civilizations like Egypt and Atlantis , they are not outstanding but feet well with the epic sounding of the band.

Opening with a brief symphonic intro that suddenly develops into a power metal song serving as a prelude for "Evolution" the first real tune. This is power metal with prog learnings , great riffs and powerful vocals by Russell Allen make this song on of the highlights of V. Fallen continues in the same way but this time with more interplay between guitars & keys. While I don't find Michael Pinella to be one of the best keyboardists ever , he has a signature sound that I really appreciate in this album. His pipe organ-like keys add some pomp to the band's output. All around the album , there are brief symphonic like tunes that will connect the main songs , Trascendence is one of them , servin as a prelude to Communion and the Oracle. The song is a tad longer that previous two and also more progressive featuring a different vocal approach by Rusell Allen. This guy can really sing! One aspect of the band that I recognise is the fact that they always keep balance and every musician has his chance to shine without compromising the structure of the album. This song is the proof.

After a calm tune we have the heaviest number of the album "The bird serpent war". Anothe typical Power Metal number , while not a band song it isn't as strong as the previous ones. "On the breath of Poseidon" is the only insrumental number here if we exclude all those brief preludes. The song could fit very well on a fantasy movie since it's mood it's quite grandiose. Egypt reminds me of Iron Maiden circa Powerslave , the singer delivers a solid performance , as well as Pinella giving a mystical ambience with his keyboards. Death of balance/Lacrymosa , is the most symphonic and least metal moment of the record. It's not bad or out of context on the record , ever if it includes some cliches here and there. The next number reminds us all that this is a prog metal record , Absence of Light kicks in with a powerful riff by Michael Romeo. But there is nothing progressive on this song besides some Queen like vocal harmonies. This one and the upcoming number are a fast and furious combo before the epic finale. "Rediscovery" is the longest composition of the album clocking at 13:30 minutes , the intro is outstanding and its a pity they didn't develop it further.As every epic the song is varied but it's main feature are the vocals. Rusell Allen does a superb job here singing with passion note that around the 5 minute mark the song gets really emotive thanks to his voice.On the other hand , I didn't mension drummer Jason Rullo up to now , but his work here deserves it. Speciallly on the softer sections.

While not perfect , I think V it's a right place for those who want to start with this genre or move past the DreamTheater barrier. If you fancy Power Metal , this is the one for you to hear.