X-RAYED

This one took me a little longer to get into than their other releases. Compared to "Artificial Paradise" I would say this one is darker and more intense. I would also say it's more consistant, although it doesn't reach the heights of it's predecessor. As usual with their releases this one is about relationships, and it deals especially about the negative things that can occur.

"So Easy" features a good contrast between the mellow verses and the full sound on the chorus.There is a spacey passage from the 3 1/2 minute mark to the 6 minute mark. Then the song explodes with soaring vocals and guitar. "So Much More" is a ballad-like tune with the focus on the vocals. "Lost" is the heaviest track with passionate vocals and heavy riffs. There is some nice heavy guitar, as well as some soaring melodies before 4 minutes.The riffs come back and I have to mention the excellent keyboard work on this song. "You Are" has a catchy melody with a good beat. The guitar is incredible on this song as we get a full sound 2 minutes in.The guitar is played slowly but loudly and we get some ripping solos 4 minutes in. "Fearless" opens with children singing as a Raga beat comes in. There is a psychedelic section and samples of people talking. Some more amazing guitar that soars 8 minutes in. The vocals are truly beautiful. Marco has the ability to be emotional, and he has a really good range too.

"Belated Gift" has a spacey intro and what follows has a good beat with some great bass work. The vocals shine again. "Today" is the weakest track in my opinion.The only average one ! Piano, vocals and drums lead the way. "Through My Eyes" has a powerful and heavy sound a minute in. Piano and cymbals are up next before riffs arrive.Theatrical vocals 5 1/2 minutes in as heavy guitar follows. "Given-Used-Forgotten" is my favourite song on the album. The first 2 minutes are mellow with piano and vocals. Guitars come in powerfully as vocals follow. Some ripping guitar 5 minutes in followed by piano and synths. Female vocals 7 1/2 minutes in that are contrasted with the heaviness until a fantastic guitar solo 10 minutes in. Piano joins in as vocals come back 11 minutes in. The guitar continues as this is so uplifting and emotional. Amazing tune ! "This World Is Not For Me" is probably my second favourite, tough call though.The chorus is so infectious to the point i'm singing along. The guitar is again incredible.

I really like this band and certainly the vocals and the guitars are the two main reasons. I know some people feel the sound on this album is almost grunge-like, but maybe that's why I like it so much being a big fan of 90's Alternative music.