TIME LOST

"Time Lost" isn't really a proper Enchant album but a selection of leftovers that didn't make it to any of the two studio efforts "A Blueprint of the World" and "Wounded". Well, as clear as the connotations of the expression "leftover compilation" can resonate in our minds and ears, the fact is that the material gathered in "Time Lost" is no time lost for the prog listener at all. The pieces bear such a musical quality and melodic ingenuity that one has to wonder why these pieces didn't gain a more defining fate in Enchant's discography: some tracks are undoubtedly and definitely more impressive and powerful than one third of each aforesaid studio effort. The writing of a couple of these songs date back from a time when neither Leonard or Platt were Enchant members; there is also 'Standing Ground', written by guitarist Ott when he hadn't entered the band to eventually become the main writer. "Time Lost" was released to promote the band's 1997 American-European tour, but it really is a valuable item for prog fans that enjoy classic symphonic prog as well as neo-prog. The longest pieces are 'Interact' and 'Mettle Man'. Their brilliance has to do with their respective extensions, which allow the instrumentalists to state fluid dialogues and interactions through the motif shifts and varying tempos. 'Mettle Man' bears only a few lyrics near the end, with the first 8 minutes devoted to explore a dynamic combination of melodic prog metal and heavy prog (originally performed by an Enchant quartet whose bass player also sang, but here it is duly performed by the original quintet). The already mentioned 'Standing Ground' comprises an effective heavy trend that enhances the main motif's hooks, as well as the impressive instrumental interlude. And I can't go on skipping the opener 'Blindsided', a beautiful Marillion-meets-DT homage to the pain of a broken heart, delivered in such a muscular manner: pure old-fashioned Enchant at its best. 'Under the Sun' finds the band efficiently exploring those dense ambiences that make the best of their dominantly romantic pieces. As always, Craddick's class and elegance on the drum kit become crucial for the song's developing scheme. In conclusion, "Time Lost" is a must for any proghead who loves their prog melodic and energetic, with moderate heaviness: it is as important as any of the other Enchant releases w/ Benignus & Craddick.