ZERO HOUR [AKA: METAMORPHOSIS]

4.5 stars. It's important to know that this is a re-issue of ZERO HOUR's self titled debut. That one went out of print quickly as only 2,000 copies were originally produced. Travis Smith does the excellent cover art on this edition, and 2 tracks have been added to this one that were previously unreleased but recorded during the same sessions that birthed the debut record. Matt Guillory from DALI'S DILEMMA provides the guest keyboard work, except for on "Voice Of Reason" where Phil Bennett performs on keys. They thank a lot of bands including EVERGREY, POWER OF OMENS, SYMPHONY X, SUN CAGED, VANDEN PLAS, WOLVERINE, POVERTY'S NO CRIME, PAIN OF SALVATION, BLIND GUARDIAN and ANATHEMA where they say "We didn't steal your beer, New Jersey Dave did, LOL!!!". My first musical love is Metal, and ZERO HOUR in my opinion are near the top of the Prog-Metal genre. Erik's vocals are amazing, and the Tipton twins on bass and lead guitar will blow your mind with their unique and complex abilities. Mike Guy on drums provides the thunder.

"Eyes Of Denial" opens with synths and lots of atmosphere before a crushing wall of sound arrives a minute in. A calm as vocals come in. Back to the heaviness and Jasun shows his stuff after 3 1/2 minutes. "The System Remains" opens with some heavy instrumental work. The vocals come in with synths and a lot of atmosphere. Great section. Heaviness joins in with piano. Amazing. Themes are repeated. This is such an incredible song. Jasun comes in shredding before 5 minutes followed by a flury of keys before Jasun ends it with another solo. The song continues to shift gears often. "Rebirth" opens with piano as reserved vocals join in. Erik sure can sing as he holds the note before it gets heavier before 2 minutes. Tipton rips it up as drums pound 4 1/2 minutes in. "Voice Of Reason" again sounds so good vocally as heaviness and complexity continue to impress. Love the background synths. Thunderous drums after 5 minutes, a calm follows. Female spoken words after 7 minutes. From 8 minutes to the end is absolutely incredible and emotional with the vocal melodies and synths.

"A Passage" is an instrumental that opens with acoustic guitar before the electric guitar joins in. You have to hear this one. "Metamorphosis" is the final track and it's divided into 5 parts. First up is "Descent" a melodic track with great vocals. It's like a stampede to open though. Heaviness comes and goes, but I love the sections inbetween. "Awaken" opens with piano as heavy bass and synths join in, and then guitar. Vocals follow. I really like the guitar lines. "Union" is brighter sounding with piano early. It kicks into gear after 2 1/2 minutes with a barrage of drums. Tipton is busy after 4 1/2 minutes. Sounds like a choir before 5 1/2 minutes. "Solace" opens with a vocal sample of someone yelling emotionally.This is solace ? Haha. "Ascent" is the uplifting closer. They all shine so bright on this final track.

This is a great place to start for anyone wanting to check this band out. This one isn't as harsh or metallic as the records that follow.