TENSE

US band Unified Past has certainly made an album that has it's moments here, and while there's a few elements lacking to create what for me would appear to be a really good album there's certainly a few charming numbers to be found.

Points of reference for this act might be bands such as Rush and King Crimson, lightly spiced with textures from both 80's heavy metal and space rock in the Eloy tradition. One one hand we're served what sounds like Rush spiced with traditional metal, sporting chugging riffs and the occasional space-tinged keyboard textures, on the other we're served lighter and quirkier creations with more of a Crimsonian tinge to them, but maintaining a Rush-like flavour to the overall sound.

Clean and acoustic guitar provides some folk-tinged flavours on occasion as well, which at times gives the album a sort of Zeppelin presence.

While quite a few of these excursions are charming, the lead vocals as well as the mix and production leaves a bit to be desired. Some of the tracks does suffer a bit from a lack of a distinct direction as well. But if the overall blend of styles here sounds interesting, and the vocals aren't too big of an issue with you in general, you might want to check out this band further.

From the States comes this powerful trio, that emerged from the group Labyrinth in late-90's.Labyrinth were active during the 90's and released three albums, but a change of name to Unified Past occured in 1999 with an album following the next year (''From the splintered present surfaces...The Unified Past''), before they were put on ice for years.Original guitarist Stephen Speelman reformed the group in late-00's with Labyrinth's original drummer Victor Tassone and singer Steve Calovi, while Speelman took over also the bass duties.2009 and Unified Past offer independently their second album ''Tense'' (with Greek characters on the front cover).

TILES meet DREAM THEATER/QUEENSRYCHE?This would be a good description for a guitar-driven album, that constantly see the trio changing grooves and tempos throughout, always having a fiery and highly energetic sound.Powerful drums and heavy bass work accompany Speelman's decent effort on lead and rhythm guitars, which eventually offer plenty of hard riffs and sharp solos, while his degree on Classical guitar helps him combine this dynamic approach with smoother parts.ALEX LIFESON and JOHN PETRUCCI seem to be his main influences in a work that moves from furious Heavy Prog to more technical Prog Metal territories.There is a guest keyboardist on the album, participating in a few tracks, but his work is hardly notable.Singer Steve Calovi has a passionate, a bit roaring but also rather raspy voice, that maybe not be everybody's cup of tea, but fits well in this impressive and highly energetic style.I think he sings a little bit out of tune in moments, but the album has few flaws regarding the safe style chosen.As the electric guitar is the main instrument here, all rely on Speelman's talent and his work is pretty great.

This album is rather long, a time length of about 45 minutes would be better for occasional listenings, but nevertheless this is one of the most edgy and angular prog albums around with a nice bunch of good guitar moves and lot of memorable material.Recommended.