MONSTERS FROM THE ID

CD: - Side 1: 1. "Die Before You Wake" (19:32) solid construct (in 7/8--all 20 minutes!) with rich sound and great melodies and singing. The sound production, however, suffers from muddiness and a few uneven levels--and maybe some clarity and use of some odd effects. Very nice performances on all instruments and tracks (though nothing extraordinary much less jaw dropping). As catchy as that main melody and construct is, it really shouldn't go on for nearly 20 minutes. Sounds like something that Tony Patterson & Brendan Eyre might have done (Nine Stones Close). Also, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra comparisons are not unwarranted--more for sound palette than pace and tech-metal twists and turns. (36/40): - a. Sleeping Spectre (2:19) - b. Ancient Majesty (1:31) - c. Die Before You Wake Part 1 (3:03) - d. Warming Glow (3:55) - e. Wicked Delights (2:40) - f. Die Before You Wake Part 2 (2:01) - g. Endless Night (4:03)

- Side 2: 2. "Amnis Flows Aeternum" (19:11) Unfortunately, much of this song sounds the same as the previous one; in my mind I literally cannot distinguish between the two: the music, melody, and singing from the previous one--as if it's a continuation or repeat. (There may be too many similarities to Hans Zimmer's Pirates of the Caribbean soundtracks for me, mate!) Still a fine song, with lots of engaging elements, melodies, and sonic candy. (36/40): - a. Amnis Flows Aeternum Part 1 (1:11) - b. Guiding Voice Part 1 (2:39) - c. Sound and Light (1:20) - d. Guiding Voice Part 2 (1:06) - e. Royal Rewards Part 1 (1:09) - f. Blessed Stream Part 1 (0:58) - g. Amnis Flows Aeternum Part 2 (2:26) - h. Earthly Dues (2:47) - i. Amnis Flows Aeternum Part 3 (3:04) - j. Blessed Stream Part 2 (0:51) - k. Royal Rewards Part 2 (1:02) - l. Guiding Voice Part 3 (0:38)

Total Time 38:43

It's a fine effort of solid, sophisticated, and melodic progressive rock, albeit NeoProg. Lush Yes-like soundscapes and instrumental choices with solid bass and quite good vocals, the sound engineering/mixing could have used some objective input. Nowhere near as sophisticated, virtuosic, or polished as the "classic era" masterpieces. If the sounds and styles weren't so dependent on (even directly copying) previous masers, I might be more generous with my final rating of this one--it is great music with serious compositional intention (I've watched all of his videos on YouTube regarding the making of this album, so I appreciate the effort and reasons for his constructs). Then there are my dissatisfaction with the sound engineering. As I said above, I wish Ben had had a few more critiques/inputs to help him create the best product for the public.

A-/4.5 stars; a near-masterpiece of progressive rock music. While many are claiming Ben's effort here to be a masterpiece for the ages, I look at it as more of a masterpiece of respectful, diligent synthesis and imitation of the aged. Great job ? but but not much here, in my opinion, to "progress" the art form (except perhaps in the engineering room).