RELOCATOR

Right from the start this album just hasn't clicked with me. What is interesting (for me anyway) is that I also haven't been able to get too into PLANET X either which also features Derek Sherinian on keyboards like this album does. Mind you Derek's solo albums which are more in the "Rock" vein with lots of solos suits me just fine thankyou. This is still a very good debut from these young Germans and they should be proud.The electric violin gives it a different vibe too from a lot of the Fusion/metal albums I own.

"Red Vibes" has this good heavy sound with background synths. Pulsating synths before a minute then it settles in with violin before 2 minutes. "Biosphere" has this heaviness that comes and goes.There's a fair amount of keyboards too that don't do a lot for me. It settles after 5 1/2 minutes then the guitar, bass and drums start to lead. This is better. It kicks back in before 7 minutes with synths. "Relocator" has some good chunky bass when the song settles in.The guitar solos tastefully after 3 1/2 minutes as the bass and drums support in a fairly heavy manner. Nice.The tempo then picks back up. "Proxima" has a good heavy sound to it then it kicks in heavier with background synths. It settles before 2 1/2 minutes then builds back up again to a heavy rhythm.

"Aavishkar" is a little darker with some atmosphere.Violin before a minute as it turns heavy with synths. The tempo picks up but it doesn't sound as good. Keyboards 5 1/2 minutes in as it settles. It kicks back in at 8 1/2 minutes but not for long. "13 Reasons" kicks in heavily rather quickly. A barrage of drums 2 minutes in with lots of synths. Intense 5 1/2 minutes in. "Urban Blue" settles after 3 minutes and I like it. It picks up again then settles with synths as the tempo continues to shift. "The Alchemist" is my favourite track. Laid back bass to start as synths join in and gentle guitar. It kicks in at a minute. This is really good. Lots of tempo changes once again and the contrasts between the heavy and calm sections continue as well. An excellent way to end the album.

3.5 stars. If it ever clicks with me i'll bump it up to four stars but definitely not now because it leaves me cold.