MYTHOLOGIC

With two guitarists and no keyboards the impression may be that this is a riff-hungry act that is more at home in the depths of hard rock rather than the more technical area for which these guys are known, but nothing could be further from the truth. The album opens with "Magic To Breathe" which is a short a capella number that demonstrates the beauty and control of Melissa's voice ? imagine Alanis but with more depth and passion. Those who then think that this is going to be a laid-back affair are also going to be disappointed, as although we gradually drift, Rush-like, into "In Solitude" this is music that has rock as its' heart and Melissa as it's voice. It is deep, it is dark, it is simple, and it is gloriously complex with weird time signatures and Peart-like drumming. But this isn't a Rush clone, just one that attempts to walk through the same trees, but taking a different path.

I have long been a fan of the Rodler brothers, more years than either of us probably like to recall, but when time and again they produce music of such consistently high calibre I find myself yet again heartily recommending an album of theirs to you. For more details visit the label site at www.pmm-music.net. You won't be disappointed.

"Magic to Breathe" is Melissa singing without any backup instrumentation at all.This is brave, but for me it makes me cringe. It doesn't work at all. Thankfully it's just over a minute in length. "In Solitude" has some amazing drum work as well as guitars especially 3 minutes in. "Standing In Stillness" has a heavy intro that dies when the vocals come in. The instrumental passages are so impressive. "Battled Beliefs" has a nice little drum intro. Riffing is right behind along with double tracked vocals that occur often on this album. There is a scalding solo 3 minutes in and the drums and guitars that follow are fantastic.

"A Dim Too Dark" opens with strummed guitar and vocals. Some heaviness comes in and the instrumental passage has a definite RUSH feel to it. Nice.The song ends as it began. More double tracked vocals on "Flash of Red" and the lyrics here and throughout are very meaningful. "Truth Undiscovered" is a guitar lovers dream. From intricate melodies, to riffs, to solos. Impressive.

It bothers me that I can't get into the vocals but I can't. The drumming,bass and at times dual lead guitars are so well done. I suggest if you're into metal to give this a try, you may love the vocals because I am sure i'm in the minority with my dislike for them.