THE 1ST CHAPTER

This sounds like a very strong debut to me and i'm going to be listening very closely for the follow up. Dream Theater and Symphony X are two very different sounding bands, both who could feel justifiably proud of a new album like this. I think anyone attempting to combine such influences shoud be commended on audacity alone; but this grand effort amounts to more than that intriguing melting pot. It really does deserve repeat listens. If you're still skeptical just put it on as background now and then while you're concentrating on something else entirely: i'm sure you'll change your mind. Don't feel guilty when you hear it in your mind's ear at the unlikeliest of moments. Don't feel surprise when Arjen Lucassen invites band members to play on his next opus. Originality often depends on as little as not having heard the derivations. Circus Maximus dare to build on ambitious foundations, make the vital progressive steps, and deserve all the appreciation they get for this near classic statement of intentions. Bravo!