RACO

Crisalida from Chile is mixing neo prog and progressive metal on this, their second album. Mostly progressive rock, it has to be said. The references to Dream Theater is there. But Cinthia Santibáñez female vocals is setting this band apart from the above mentioned band. The same also goes for the frequent references to Pink Floyd throughout this album. The same also goes for some goth metal references. To a large extent, Crisalida reminds me about Sleepwalker Sun from the same continent. But Crisalida's music is far more commercial than Sleepwalker Sun's music.

The quality of the songs is pretty good throughout. It is obvious that the band knows what they are doing. Cinthia Santibáñez vocals are also very good. The problem is that the songs are pretty bland, although good. I simply do not "get" them. This album is sorely missing the X Factor which elevates an album from good to great. But this album is still good and it has some great pieces. The guitars and the tangents is great. Unfortunate, they are let down by the quality of the material. But I will keep an eye on this band because they have potential.

3 stars