WAVES OF LOSS AND POWER

Wow. This is a comeback. I listened to and loved Ice Age's first two albums over 20 years ago, and they were two of my favorite progressive metal albums--squarely within the progressive metal genre of that time, but unique enough that they can't be called a clone of anyone else.

Given that it's been more than 20 years since their last album, and given that they'd only released two prior albums, I certainly didn't think there'd be a third. I'm pleased to be proven wrong.

The sound hasn't changed much. It's still very much their unique style--the same style of guitar work, the same vocals. If you enjoyed their prior albums you'll enjoy this one. The vocals are still powerful, even if they seem to lack a little bit of the extra punch that they occasionally delivered in the earlier albums. The songs are still well-written,

My favorite album of 2023 (so far). Highly recommended for fans of traditional progressive metal. 4.5 stars.