EARTHBOUND

At first, when I was offered to review this CD, I thought that To-Mera will be very similar to Haken's music (the band that I discovered first), both standing with one leg in Heavy Prog & in Prog Metal with other. And also featuring one same member, Tom MacLean.

However, music on this extensively lenghtened (I'm glad for that) EP (clocking at 28 minutes) vary in few aspects, which when combined gives different impression. First thing I noticed are vocals by Julie Kiss that are solid, without major flaws. Music lacks this melodic, weirdly cabaretesque sound that Aquarius featured prominently, but in turn, "Earthbound" also lacks Death Metal growling. I actually never heard woman vocalist in growling mode and it's probably not nice experience, so I'm glad for Julie's charming, strong voice ranging from low places of spectrum to high tones.

Music is complex, featuring many twists, so it's basically seriously meant Prog Metal, which sometimes goes to dreamland territory of calmer parts. That's nothing bad, when still interesting enough that it's not just showcase of technique and skilfulness of members. And as you can see from my rating, it obviously isn't. This album simply mixes elements in the right way.

4(+), assuming that we can take this as EP release of almost studio length.