CHESSBOARD

Very strong and beautiful release from this brazilian symphonic prog band, their best since the excellent debut, Tales From A Forgotten World (1997). Great melodic prog tunes with lots of keyboards and guitars interplaying. The rhythm section is also of high caliber, with bassist André Ribeiro showing great skill and creativity. The only weak spot, as ever, are the vocals. Not that André Mello (who also handles all keyboards) is a bad singer. He is not. In fact his style and timbre reminds me a lot of another of Brazil´s prog legend, Flávio Venturini (of Terço and 14bis fame). But clearly his vocal prowness is nowhere near his and his bandmates instrumental hability. With a stronger and more versatile vocalist this band could reach much higher ground. Other brazilian prog acts like Tarkus and Apocalypse learned that lesson. Tempus Fugit should benefit a lot if follow the same path. Anyway, even if not really the most fitting, Mello´s vocals are nice, and get better when are helped by the addition of Mirna Bertling´s voice on some tracks.

The music of Chessboard is melodic, enthralling, convincing and quite inspired. Henrique Simões shows some great licks on his guitar (The acoustic guitar solo on My Princess is pure beauty), and together with Mello´s keys, they complement each other for some of the best combinations in this style. I really hope those guys don´t take another six years to release a new album. Songs like Unfair World, Tears From The Sky and The Game Of Life are fine prog gems that make the waiting very worthwhile. With no fillers (not even weak tracks) and a good production, this an album that any prog fan should listen to. And enjoy the emotional ride. Four strong stars.