OCEANS

Hydrotoxin is a german progressive metal who released only one album in 1996 named Oceans. I know this album since he was released more then a decade ago and was a surprise for me. Being similar with Dream Theater (of course), Empty Tremor or Madsword, they bring nothing new in this genre, but the tight and excelent musicianship gives me a very pleasent album. What stroke at first listening was the brilliant voice of Jioti Parcharidis ( also know from bands like Chateau or Victory fame), his range is incredible, giving on some pieces a realy great and colorful atmosphere ex: Infinite Ways and Nexus., on the rest is also very strong. The gear of this band is very tight and very well developed across the album giving a very solid musicianship, specialy the keybordis Oliver Hintz is top notch. The main influence of the band is Dream Theater, that complex and quirky pieces that made famouses in the'90's are present here at he highest level, also they propose a melodic side of prog metal, not one very rough, but still very pleasent. Also 5 tracks from 7 are long enough to show that they mean bussines with this album, even is a debute , everything is well done and at the right place. It's a shame that they disbanded soon after this release , they were a promising band with a good album in their pockets, but sometimes is not enough to have only a great album. Two instrumental pieces grace Oceans: Door To December, a mid tempo piece, guitar dominating remind me in places of Vinie Moore and the last one Aquasun is an atmospheric and very spacey piece with keyboars as main role. In the end a great album and very unnoticed in prog circles, desearve for sure, at least from my side 4 stars. The cover art is very strange but fits like glove with the atmosphere from the album.