Knight Area return with their third album and the first without flautist Joop Klazinga, who has not been replaced. If you enjoy bands like IQ, Arena, Pendragon and Fish-era Marillion - i.e. neo-prog - then this band will be right up your street. Vocalist Mark Smit, in common with a fair few prog rock vocalists, may not have the greatest voice but he delivers it with passion.

The definite album highlight is the eleven minutes of 'Occlusion' which features some very interesting special effects on the closing few minutes of the song. 'Ethereal' and 'Antagony' both sound like IQ mixing keyboards and guitar to great effect. 'A Million Lives' is the most commercial offering on the album with an instant chorus.

Definitely a band moving in the right direction, keen to try new sounds and styles although the flute of Joop Klazinga could have added that little bit extra on a couple of songs. A band where you can safely but all three of their albums to date and not be disappointed.

****

Review by Jason Ritchie