METAMORPHOSIS

I feel a little like i'm at a disadvantage when reviewing this album, having only heard the EP "Broken". This is certaily darker and heavier than the music that was found on that EP. King By-Tor made a good point when reviewing FROST's latest release, that a lot of Neo-Prog bands are becoming darker and heavier. It's a trend that is developing right in front of our eyes (ears). Avestin alluded to the fact that at times this album may have been served better with a different vocalist and I agree. He and I also agree that it's not that Christina isn't a great vocalist, but I certainly feel that her voice (at times) doesn't fit this style at all.

"The Ballad Of Samuel Layne" has an interesting intro before we get some strings and even some uilleann pipes courtesy of IONA's Troy Donockley. It takes a while for the song to really get going. I'm not a fan of the backup vocals but the scorching guitar is fantastic 6 1/2 minutes in. A calm follows before it kicks back in heavily before 8 minutes. The song continues to change and evolve and Troy is back 22 minutes in. "Prekestolen" is an actual cliff on a mountain in Norway. It opens with the sound of a recorder in this mellow track. Strings help out as do the uilleann pipes again. Of course Christina's vocals lead the way.

"Metamorphosis" is my favourite track on here. I like the chunky bass and the excellent guitar solos that come and go.The mood and tempo shifts many times throughout this epic. "Blind Faith" opens with some cool sounding synths as a steady beat comes in. The song kicks in before 1 1/2 minutes and after 3 minutes. Nice guitar 5 minutes in. String on this one too. The song ends with a male voice saying "Wake Up". If only that were possible. Sorry, my mind is somewhere else right now (haha).

Tszirmay feels that with more listens his rating may go up, and I feel the same way. Right now though it's 3.5 stars from yours truly.