SPECS OF PICTURES BURNT BEYOND

Zeros Hour's latest album 'Specs of Pictures Burnt Beyond' is, along with Mastodon's Blood Mountain, the best album of 2006. This album was my introduction to Zero Hour. It is great to hear technical and complex music such as this, which follows in the tradition of Watchtower and Psychotic Waltz, because we really don't here a lot of it.

This album contains seven songs, four of which are epic, technically blistering tracks. All show the mind blowing musicianship of Zero hour. But also these songs are beautifully melodic, they are able to successfully do both which is remarkable. 'Face the Fear' is a monstrous opener and really showcases what this band is about. 'The Falcons Cry' is my favourite song off the album. This song more than any other showcases the bands ability to be ultra complex and majestically beautiful at the same time. Absolutely the song of 2006. Though very much different in sound, it is very much comparable to what Psychotic Waltz and John Arch era Fates Warning were able to do.

The title track 'Specs of Pictures Burnt Beyond' is a song which just pounds you into submission. It's so damn heavy, yet it is such a haunting song thanks to a stunning vocal; performance by Chris Salinas. Salinas is in top form throughout this album, he takes the music of Zero Hour to a completely different level. 'Evidence of the Unseen' is the song which closes the album, leaving the listener on absolute high. Some amazing brutal riffing on that one.

The album also contains two short instrumentals. First is the acoustic based 'Embrace', very beautiful, and a nice break from the technical insanity. Then there is 'Zero Hour' which shows the band at its more experimental, there are even some nice jazzy bits in there. It is one which is very reminiscent of Watchtower. Finally there is the ballad 'I Am Here'. It is a stunning ballad and really shows the diversity this band is capable of. It's powerful and emotional.

I cannot praise this album enough. It is incredible. How is that I have ignored this band for so long? Zero Hour prove with this album they are one of the leading prog metal acts. The fact they are not regarded as such is an absolute disgrace. All prog metal fans do yourself a favour and get this album.