Second album from Jupiter Society, and it opens with a gothic/operatic/power metal sound, which softens to a more programmed prog sound sound.

Keyboardist Carl Westholm (who also handles programming) has assembled a new team here, who (in their various combinations) produce some power prog metal at the power metal / operatic end. The project features vocalists Mats Leven, Nils Erikson and Olvin Tronstad, bassists Sebastian Blyberg and Stefan Fanden, guitarists Ulf Edelonn, Peter Soderstrom and Kulle, and drummers Lars Skold, Jonas Kallsback and Christer Jansson. Amongst them are members (past and present) of Krux, Candlemass, Roxette (yes really) and Royal Hunt.

This is a lot more varied than most prog metal, the operatic edge (a more gothic and slower version of Rhapsody) giving an extra dimension. The vocals are at time slightly screamed, suiting the music well, and at times the guitars can get quite noodly. Not quite Malmsteen but you get the idea. Very progressive.

Most of the tracks are over seven minutes and at times get quite atmospheric. Many 70s influences, a nod to Eloy (but much heavier), and modern solid production.

Really well worth a listen.

****

Review by Joe Geesin

www.joegeesin.com