ISOLATE

Circus Maximus debut album The 1st Chapter was praised very much in various heavy metal magazines when it was released. Many compared Circus Maximus to Dream Theater and Symphony X. I would like to add Stratovarius to those influences as Circus Maximus also have those extremely memorable choruses that Stratovarius are known for. To me The 1st Chapter was a good progressive metal album even though I found it a bit unoriginal. The mix of progressive metal and more traditional metal/ power metal is something a thousand bands have done before. Circus Maximus is clearly one of the better bands in the genre though. Isolate is Circus Maximus second album and the style they started on The 1st Chapter is continued here without many surprises.

The musicians are one of the main reasons why I want to use my time on Isolate, as it is a joy to listen to such competent gentlemen play. Lead singer Mike Eriksen has a very strong voice even though it is pretty typical for the genre.

There are lots of keyboards in the music and they can at times sound very eighties like which of course is an aquired taste. I´m ambivalent towards just that as it depends on my mood wether I can stand it or not. The compositions are very well composed and there are solos and other little variations to keep the songs exciting. The songs are very memorable due to the sing a long power metal choruses which of course also is an aquired taste. People who think a mix of Dream Theater and Symphony X could satisfy their desires should give Isolate a chance as it is a very worthy purchase in that genre.

The sound quality is excellent and again Circus Maximus prove that they are one of the best in their genre. With this kind of production Frontiers Records really show that they believe in Circus Maximus. It must have cost a lot.

If I was more into this genre this would have been a 4 star album, but as I find it a bit cheesy and really not in my personal taste I´ll give it 3 stars for the brilliant musicianship and the fantastic production.