THE FINAL CATASTROPHE

Wyzards is one of the most intristing bands I've come across in last years in prog metal realm, even doesn't sound at all like a typical prog metal band to me. If you imagine that this band was formed in 1979 in USA and only in 1997 they manage to come with their first opus, finaly proveing to be their swan song, named The final catastrophe issued in same year 1997 at Sensory a division of Laser's Edge label. As the booklet of the CD indicates, besides lyrics, the history of the band is quite intresting with many downs and few ups, one of them is this album. Also the pieces from this release are all composed between 1980-1982, minus the longest one All of the world offered by the band as a new composition then. The music is very much , to my ears at least heavy prog almost heavy metal in places but the good and excellent use of keybords gives this release a special status, realy. The keyboards are all over the place, do not expext a keyboard driven album, no, is very well melted with heavier section, that only few bands manageing to come with such a solid album in that period, early '80's. The album doesn't sound at all date it or such, is like they compose these pieces after a decade or so, very solid compositions where the guitar of David Carter is the law, such a fantastic guitar player, excellent and inventive, wonder why was so unknown world wide for such long time. Brilliant druming, up lifting, with great chops, up tempo arrangements, top notch voice, who fits perfect in this kind of music, sometimes sounds like Iron Maiden with keybords. Is enough to listen to Phantoms ~ Lizards, simply amazing skills, the guitar specialy and btw all instruments are fully worked out, resulting a very solid special and damn great piece, without hesitation the best from here. The longest pieces from the album and the most freshest from all a nearly 20 min tour de force from Wyzards is All of the world, here the band gathered all they have best as musicins, even is not my fav piece of the album is an impressive ride in prog metal or heavy prog realm. A bonus track end the album named You belive it, offereing for me a true gem of an album, very unnoticed with lots of great moments and fantastic musicianship. 4 stars easy, of of the lost forgotten great and yet undiscovered bands from USA. recommended for sure. The first bands that comes in my mind almost similar ith them is Cairo with their top notch musicians and perfect arrangements.