SHADE IN THE LIGHT

PERSONA NON GRATA are a relatively new Prog-Metal band out of Greece. Nothing new here really, this is straight-up Prog-Metal folks. What I like though are the Adler-like vocals and the way the synths are used in the background creating atmosphere and layers of sound.They really mix up the heaviness and more laid passages well, there's lots of tempo and mood shifts on this one.

"Before The Reason" opens with chopped up voices then the keys join in followed by heaviness.Vocals follow. He sings with passion 2 1/2 minutes in. In fact the best parts of this song are when he does let it rip with his vocals. "Dual Unity" opens with the synths washing in before the heaviness takes over. It settles a minute in with reserved vocals then builds.Great sound 3 1/2 minutes in with those passionate vocals and heaviness. "Single Unity" is a short piece that ends with some good guitar. "Collision Course" builds as vocals join in. I like the tasteful guitar before 4 minutes with synths as drums build.

"Fives" is mellow to open then it turns fuller after 1 1/2 minutes before kicking in after 2 minutes. It does shift back and forth though. "Shade In The Light" is ZERO HOUR heavy early on. Synths 1 1/2 minutes in then vocals. I like the heaviness with those background synths. Some nice guitar work after 4 1/2 minutes. "Longing" opens with keys and vocals. It's much better when it turns heavy 1 1/2 minutes in. It settles back again.Synths lead after 3 1/2 minutes when the vocals stop. "Empty Shadows" turns heavy quickly and the tempo picks up a minute in as the guitar starts to light it up.Vocals after 1 1/2 minutes. It kicks in with a guitar solo before 4 1/2 minutes. "Personal Gratitude" opens with almost spoken vocals as piano joins in. It kicks in with power after a minute.The tempo and mood continues to change. "Stillness" is heavy as the vocals come in after a minute. Some nice piano with synths as the heaviness continues.

If your a fan of traditional Prog-Metal I think you'll really like this. A low 4 stars.