Awake are UK prog metal band Humanity under a new name and minus guitarist Steve Wallace. The album is produced by Evergrey’s Tom Englund, who also adds backing vocals along with fellow Evergrey band member Hendrik Danhage guesting on ‘Forgiven Now Forever’.

Musically it is very Evergrey in feel from the vocals of Simon Sandwell through to the mix of guitar riffs and keyboards throughout the album. ‘Disbelief’ and the brooding ‘Begin Again’ are definite stand out tracks.

Like Evergrey, Awake are aggressive sounding but manage this without the need for screaming vocals or distorted guitars. There is a real menace in the air behind each songs delivery. That said the songs can sometimes sound too much like Evergrey, which is no bad thing but this might hinder the band who some may see as mere clones and they are not.

Certainly worth getting for lovers of well crafted progressive metal and of course Evergrey fans!

***½

Review by Jason Ritchie