LYKAIA

This predominantly Swedish set of experienced musicians here deliver suggestive prog metal mainly oozing of Tool while including a sleeve of Opeth amongst the influences. The ingredients are a pounding bass and equally chugging guitars, setting up for a strong and powerful album. The three first songs are the most clearcut, with the memorable chorus of 'Secretarian' making it as close to a prog hit as it gets on this record. 'Orison' contains some immense riff sections, while the mellow and slow paced 'Lucidity' is actually a rather epic ballad with a gripping tone. The remaining songs are less interesting composition-wise but yet maintaining a consistent musical standard. The record sometimes moves towards the border to alternative rock, a direction which the heartfelt vocals contributes to set.