This album again saw line-up changes within the band with the addition of a new vocalist, Kevin McDermott, joining guitarists Karl Groom and Nick Midson, drummer Mark Heaney, bass player Jon Jeary and keyboard player Richard West.

Another great slice of prog metal from the band. ‘Freaks’ has riffs a plenty with the distinctive vocals of Andrew McDermott. ‘Angels’ has a catchy chorus and keyboard driven first half and then it explodes into a barrage of heavy riffing and soaring vocals. The epic ‘The Latent Gene’ deals with cloning - very apt for these times. It changes from all out metal to slower, more refrained moments. One of the strengths of this band is their ability to change tempo without ruining the structure of the song or melody. The ballad ‘Change’ builds up to a harmony filled chorus complete with symphonic keys! The other slower track ‘Goodbye Mother Earth’ features nimble acoustic guitar to slow down the tempo nicely. It also is reminiscent of Yes with the stop/start time changes. ‘Sunrise On Mars’ could be a Thunder ballad! Kevin McDermott sounds like Thunder’s Danny Bowes and it is a track that will appeal to melodic rock fans.

One of the best prog metal bands around today and worthy of a place in any rock fans CD collection.

Critical Mass (CD review)

Critical Energy (CD review)

Interview with Karl Groom

****

Review by Jason Ritchie

£13.99

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