PATHOSRAY

What an excellent debut album for this band! Their sound is very metal, melodic and has a nice emphasis on the vocals and good harmonized backing vocals. The instruments are well balanced and the sound is very clean and rich. The production is top notch.

The first track, "Lines Of Doubt" is a short but very nice classical piano piece. There is a dramatic and drastic transition from the end of the 1st track into the second. An approach often used but very well executed here.

"Faded Crystals" starts really heavy and just overload you with its coordinated pounding of drums, bass, guitars and keyboards.

If you think I overrated this album, just listen to "Scent Of Snow" between 3 and 6 minutes. Then try to convince me that this is not prog metal at its best! This section of the song always works its magic with me. The bass guitar playing is awesome and I find this instrumental section just amazing. An definitive highlight of this album.

Part of the vocals on "The Sad Game" is from a guest singer. That and some of the arrangements reminds me of Iced Earth (not necessarly a good comparaison as I think Pathosray music is much more melodic and satisfaying). "In Salicis Umbra" is an interesting song just featuring some nice vocals and keyboards.

All the other songs are well executed and very enjoyable. I am surprised it doesn't get rated higher. Could it be because it is lacking on the innovation front? There is nothing absolutely new in terms of prog, but they do have some nice changes of paces and some nice contrasts. It is very well delivered and I do love this album. For fans of Circus Maximus and prog metal in general, you can't go wrong buying this album.

50+ minutes of absolute bliss. For me, 5 stars, without a doubt.