BOOK OF REFLECTIONS

Book of Reflections is one of the neo-progressive metal bands that capture my atention few years ago, having on bord one of the most talented guitarist in last couple of dacades no one else then lars Eric Mattsson. The first album selftitled released in 2004 by Mattsson label LionMusic is those albums that are instant catchy because of instrumental sections provided but lacks somehow of intresting ideas overall. Helping hand comes buy a bunch of well know musicians in this filed like Hubi Meisel on vocals, the master of keybords Vitalij Kuprij , Rusty Cooley the twin guitar and the great Eddie Sledgehammer on drums. With such musicians is easy to come with a good album, all the pieces are ok, in places some instrumental parts are truly great, but this aproach of prog metal with neo classical arrangements I've heared hundred times before, really. In vein of Malmsteen, Section A or even similar with Mattsson solo albums , with blistering guitar works combined with some fantastic keynords this first album is only ok in my book. To much same arrangements, they walk on a beath path to many times, the result is ok but nothing is groundbreaking here. Book Of Reflections is the instrumental piece that needs attention, great tune and a plus on Child Of The Rainbow, the most great tracks from the album. Short pieces with sometimes fast tempo , sometimes little slower, but each time with good musicianship. 3 stars, good but nothing is excellent.