REALITY IN FOCUS

FATES WARNING came to mind the most while listening to this excellent album, although the IRON MAIDEN influence can be heard on the first track. Oh, and they also do a cover of "Flight Of Icarus", which isn't a bonus track or anything it's part of the original album.

"No Turning Back" opens with MAIDEN-like guitars followed by riffs then vocals. Ripping guitar before 4 minutes followed by a synth solo. That IRON MAIDEN vibe is back again. Check out the guitar 5 1/2 minutes in as it cries out. "What My Eyes Have Seen" opens with synths as drums and some heaviness takes over. Vocals before a minute. The guitar sounds fantastic in this one, especially the solo after 3 minutes. I love when it settles 5 minutes in with deep bass sounds. "Far Beyond Illusion" features vocals that remind me of Adler. This is very FATES WARNING like. Amazing song. Crunchy guitars and such a solid sound. This reminds me of home. "Afterlife" is the longest track at over 9 minutes. This sounds so good early, like metal is flying everywhere. Great sound after 3 minutes followed by riffs. Guitar solo after 5 1/2 minutes. A nice heavy sound ends it. "The End Of Days" has this impressive intro before it settles somewhat as vocals come in. Riffs and synths create a wondrous sound 3 1/2 minutes in.

"Lost Along The Way" is a fairly heavy track throughout especially the intro. "Flight Of Icarus" is the best IRON MAIDEN cover I have heard. The vocals, guitar and drums are all outstanding. Man this guy can sing ! "Temples Of Gold" features a barage of drums then the tempo picks up as the guitar lights it up. Vocals follow. The drumming is killer.The guitar is on fire after 3 1/2 minutes. Spoken words come in quoting scripture 5 minutes in. Very cool. "Quiet Desperation" opens with synths that are promptly blown away by a stampede. Vocals a minute in. He's beating the hell out of his drum kit 3 minutes in. Blistering guitar follows. "Mind Over Fear" opens with some atmosphere before the riffs kick in. It settles as reserved vocals arrive 1 1/2 minutes in. A powerful soundscape returns quickly. Just a killer sound on this one. The guitar is out of control after 4 minutes.

My kind of music. Sure there is nothing new here, but that's not an issue with me, like I said earlier it makes me feel like I am home.