LA MUERTA

Less progmetal, less neoprog, more pop but most important; more grown-up.

The band have released only great albums, don't get me wrong, but this album sounds the most consistent and coherent to-date. I thought they could never reach the level of Touchtones, but this album could be their best. Time will tell, if this album stands the test of time.

First thing that is directly noticeable is the role the keys platy on this album. 'For the first time the keyboards have a leadrole (together with the vocals and leadguitar). And it's done with much taste and detail. The production is the capable hands of Kalle Wallner and Yogi Lang (both RPWL and Blind Ego), and that is very good thing.

Of course singer Arno Mendes and guitarist Marko Steffen are responsible for the style and sound of the mind, wich is unmistakenly Subsignal. But I find it a great achievement to create such a diversity in songs like Subsignal is always capable of. I love that the vocals remind so much of Jon Anderson/Yes.

I konw that many prog-fans are allergic to pop, but pop means great songs, great hooklines and melodies, and of course a lot of focus which this album is full of. And believe me: there's enough great guitar/keyboardsolos, great technical drumming (both heavy doublebassdrumming as Police-like groovy drumming) and tastefull and groovy basslicks.

Highly recommended....