PERSONAL EFFECTS - PART TWO

For Frequency Drift's main composer Andreas Hack things were clear already from the start.His sci-fi concept, started with ''Personal effects'', would be too long to be condensed in a single CD.So a second release would be sooner or later in the workings.It would be sooner as proven by the fact that ''Personal effects (part two)'' was launched less than two years after the release of Frequency Drift's debut, this time on Cyclops.Hack had invited three new singers to perform on the concept's storyline, Nicole Scharnagl, Christine Mettner and Kerstin Leidner, he added Christian Hack as a second guitarist plus he invited a few guests to help out during the sessions, most notably White Willow's leader Jacob Holm-Lupo.

Modern Progressive Rock with occasional heavy bursts and blinks to the principles of Neo Prog would be the best elements for the musical exhibition of such a concept according to the tastes of Andreas Hack and the band draws parallel lines with other contemporary bands such as IOEARTH or DELUSION SQUARED.The music is based on the typical formation of drums/keys/bass/guitar, but the instrumental and stylistical diversity in here are things to be admired by any prog fan.''Personal effects (part two)'' has a genuine approach on atmospheric soundscapes and beautiful melodies, retaining a rich and energetic profile throughout, propably the combination of soaring keyboards, dark piano lines and heavy guitars with the angelic female vocals and the notable string sections is the reason for such a well-crafted, detailed and impressive sound, offering quite a few grandiose moments with orchestral backgrounds, Floyd-ian textures, but also links to Heavy/Neo Prog acts.There are certain references to a less retro-styled and more atmospheric version of MAGENTA with all these nice effects, guitar distortions and spacious themes applied.And there are still a couple of instant, monster pieces, which show an even greater potential, like the 9-min. ''8.33 a.m. Inside'', sounding like a heavier version of PINK FLOYD, or the powerful ''2.33 p.m. Essence'' with its majestic guitar leads over the cinematic keyboards.

This band was maturing really fast.From a nice, little debut to what sounds like a pretty great definition of modern atmospheric Prog Rock.Highly recommended, solid, cinematic and bombastic music with excellent female vocals.