This band are part of a new wave in progressive metal and it’s a complete breath of fresh air. Mixing progressive rock with classical speed metal - very European but thoroughly enjoyable too. The keyboards could be Keith Emerson or Jon Lord, and there’s an element of Blackmore-on-speed to the guitar, without being a shred-freak. Less Malmsteen and more Manowar with keyboards.

Some songs slow down to almost ballad level, which to be honest don’t work so well. But the piano intros do fit in.

Bassist Steve DiGiorgio is ex Testement, but the band are centred around vocalist John West, guitarist Roger Staffelbach and keyboard player Vitalij Kuprij.

Well worth searching out.

***½

Review by Joe Geesin

Related>>Album review

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly