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Ebony Ark - s/t
Electric Outlet - On
Elegy - Manifestation of Fear
Elsesphere - Blind Leading The Blind
Empire - Hypnotica
Empty Tremor - Apocolokyntosys
Enchant - Blink of an Eye
Enevoldsen, Torben - Flying Solo
Enevoldsen, Torben - Guitarisma
Enevoldsen, Torben - Heavy Persuasion
Englund, Thorbjorn - Influences
Eniac Requiem - Space Eternal Void
Eumeria - Rebel Mind
Evergrey - Recreation Day
Evenlost - The Power of Evil
Event - Human Condition
Everon - Fantasma
Evil Wings - s/t
Evil Wings - Colors of the New World
Exawatt - 2K2

Ebony Ark - s/t
Independent Release
(2004)

It's quite amusing and welcome for me that a lot of new prog metal bands has emerged and released quality albums constantly. I would like to welcome this healthy traditions of prog metal scene. Ok, now I'd like to introduce one more incredible newcomer from a diverse progressive metal scene. Ebony Ark is an amazingly fresh prog metal band from Spain. As far as I know about Spanish prog metal scene, we witnessed that the bands like Overlife and Pyramid have been fairly recognized among prog metal fans. Even though Ebony Ark has been relatively considered as new band to the majority in the scene, this self-titled album contains solid and nice tracks that appeal prog metal fans. This band consists of Beatriz Albert (lead vocals), Ruben Villanueva (guitars/backing vocals), Javier Jimenez (guitars/backing vocals), Daniel Melian (bass/backing vocals), and Jorge Saez (drums). What Ebony Ark sets apart from other prog metal bands is Beatriz's charming, yet enchanting female vocal performance, and the band's tight instrumentations have been well-performed without moving into pointless complexity games. All main tracks on this album have been well-arranged and prepared to hook listeners' hearts and souls.

The first track, "Open The Ark (Overture)", is suitable for the introduction of this album. The arrangments of symphonic strings by keyboards with chorus construct the sombre and gothic atmospheres. The listeners of this album anticipates what's coming next. I am not sure who has played keyboards here. This short instrumental parts solely by keys begins quietly and softly, and later on gradually builds up the tensions toward the end.

2nd track, "Night's Cold Symphony" kicks in immediately after "Open The Ark". At first, the recent After Forever and Dreams of Sanity come to my mind with dark and etherial atmospheres. However, I think this piece is a unique driven prog metal track with lots of female vocals by courtesy of this band's star, Beatriz's expressions. Crunchy guitar riffs/melody lines, catchy keyboard phrases/backing, haunting Beatriz's vocal parts, and driving rhythm sections connect really nicely and effectively. Esp., I like intense locking instrumental sections toward the ending and bridge parts with great vocal melody lines. Additionaly, the bass tones are really tasty and audible as well..very nice done for the departments of bass and rhythm sections. Entirely, this track is very impressive.

Next track, "Stones In The Way," starts with quite heavy and immediate feeling from the beginning to the end. It provides uptempo feeling and urgencies in the emotional sides. Unlike a previous track, Beatriz' stays singing in a bit higher range.

4th track, "Farewell, " is absolutely my favorite track I've heard on this album, because this track has packed all strong elements of what Ebony Ark has been striving for: there are dramatic sections, enchanting moments, and varied arrangements with hooks. I am quite impreseed with groovy odd-time beats, smooth tempo changes, and matured instrumental works. In addition, adding male backing vocals of Arwen's Nacho creates really nice warm touch with soft parts. Every time he comes in with nice voice, it gives nice warm-breathing effects. Farewell is such a wonderfully laid out with their music skills. Great track, indeed.

After "Farewell" ended, staccato riffing and heavy "Dreaming Silence" comes in. Again, this song has heavy and crunchy sections. In this track, Beatriz carefully sings and maintains softly. Overall, this track gears toward a bit straight-forward approach with some impressive guitar solos blazing hard and complex break points.

Ok, last song is not their original one. This one is Irene Cara's hit song, "What A Feeling," covered by themselves. I guess this song is a bit tough to cover, because everyone knows this mega-hit popular song. Anyway, they have done good jobs with their own interpretations and power metal approach. Nothing related with progressiveness or intricacies on this cover song, btw.

As conclusion, I would say that I have really enjoyed listening to Ebony Ark's first offering. Overall, this band has successfully created a really interesting and haunting dramatic prog metal music. Althought there are lots of impressive instrumental solos and complex parts, they maintain having a really nice song-oriented approach. So far, I have been impressed with this young talented musicians. Ebony Ark is definately one of new promising prog metal acts, so I wish all the best for their full-length new album and live gigs in their home country. Thanks for the beautiful music. According to what I've heard so far, this band is heading for the bright future.

Electric Outlet - On!
Lion Music
(2006)

Every time I listen to new music from Lion Music, I always wonder how they constantly find out quality music in the field of instrumental and progressive music. What Electric Outlet perform is amazingly quality rock and fusion music with fantastic chops on their official 1st album. If I am not mistaken, they've been mainly playing live in Germany. However, I would assume that their main influences might come from U.S. fusion rock groups, such as Steely Dan, Weather Report, Mike Stern, and Billy Cobham group. Even though their music is centered around fusion and rock, this talanted German group can pull off blues-based rock, technical prog, and jazzy parts as well. What a versatile band! As you see that this group can do anything very tasty and nicely with their own imagination. From beginning to the end, the cd of 'On!' is very friendly for any listners who are into quality music, and it's easy to digest. Have fun for instrumental funs while listening to it entirely. Unless I read the info sheet and website from the label and their official page, I would have thought that Electric Outlet was a purely American fusion-rock quintet. The compositions are perfectly arranged and technically proficient. My favorite sections of this group is definitely both guitar-featured ones and proggy keyboard-oriented performance. While performing lots of guitars and keyboard leads, the rhythm sections do their own things to build-up foundation and rock hard. This is a very pleasant hard fusion rock music. Recommended for U.S. fusion rock music in general. Simply stunning and impressive!

Elegy - Manifetation of Fear
Modern Music/T&T
(1998)

This is the second album after new singer Ian Parry joined the band. It depends on what you want to get from Manifestaion of Fear. Although I enjoyed their previous album "State of Mind" quite a lot, I had a bit difficult to absorb the music on this album. Due to a nature of concept album format, it has lots of information about what main character is going through, how a protagonist and his related people deal with the environment around them and situation during difficult times and some various developments. Stylistically, Manifestaion of Fear is quite different from State of Mind from my point of view. Manifestaion of Fear is not really as dramatic/spectacle as State of Mind. It has more raw and heavier sounds. Of course, Elegy's technical instrumentation is not diminished. If you have not tried out Manifestation of Fear yet, you'll enjoy guitar-driven hard tunes and complex sections. In my honest opinion, I was a bit disappointed with this album, except for some intense ensemble and complex parts. Due to some dark atmospheres and story behind Manifestaion, it is kind of tough to get into. Well, it depends on the listeners who tackle on Manifestaion of Fear. I have a mixed feeling on this album. Actually, the band's performance is great, but the music and song-writing is a bit tough to enjoy in my case.

Elsesphere - Blind Leading The Blind
Lucretia Records
(2001)

WOW, absolutely this kind of style is in my comfort zone. Stylistically, Elesephere is the band that does melodic and solid prog metal ensemble with lots of guitar and keyboard interplays with tons odd-times, and featuring lots of tempo changes. Some people really like this one, but not others do so. Personally, I think that the numbers of DT-style convienient progressive metal bands have been getting decreasing nowadays. ELSESPHERE did pretty nice jobs on this BLIND LEADING THE BLIND album. If you like the bands like MAYADOME, DALI'S DILEMMA, SCENARIO, ANDROMEDA, and IVANHOE, you will like this band. This is another talented young SWEDISH Prog Metal band. I would like to hear more about this band in the future. One of best newcomers along with DIMENSION and SCENARIO in recent years.

Empire - Hyptonica
Lion Music
(2004)

Previously, I reviewed Rolf Munkes' music from Lion Music. Rolf Munkes and his co-worker, Gerald Kloos, shows something unique and passionate efforts on their No More Obscurity. If you are curious about No More Obscurity album, please check out the review of Rolf Munkes - No More Obscurity I have written previously on PILGRIM WORLD website. Ok, going back to the story of Empire - Hypnotica. Wow!, I instantly enjoy the sounds of Hypnotica quite a lot. It is really well-produced and arranged music packed in one. Stylistically, most tunes are melodic and catchy Hard Rock/Metal, yet instrumentally highly performed by Empire. Besides Rolf and Gerald, you find high-profile top notch hard rock musicians, such as Neil Murrey, Mark Boals, Lance King, Anders Johansson, and Don Airey!! Wow, no wonder the creation of Empire by themselves sounds terrific. Highly hooked-laden and bottom end sounds I have enjoyed. In some parts of the tracks, there have intense instrumental performance I really enjoyed. Empire successfully blending Euro-style hard rock with American sounds. Actually, Empire shows lots of promises in the field of melodic hard rock. Hypnotica album impressed me quite a lot. Well-made album, and highly recommended to the fans of melodic HR/HM.

Empty Tremor - Apocolokyntosys
Pick Up Records
(1997)

One of most exciting young prog metal bands from Italy. When Empty Tremor released Apocolokyntosys back then, their average age was pretty young (under 20 years old). The musicians of Empty Tremor were very young at that time, but the instrumentals and songs are well-crafted and performed astonishingly well on Apocolokyntosys. Usually, when you are in the stage of young period, you need to build up your skills by practicing in many hours a day. Indeed, they were through growing period, their music performance level was alraedy in very solid and high level to my ears. Musically, their style reminds me of a cross between Dream Theater-esque technical prog metal and early technical shred Shrapnel Instrumentals. These six Empty Tremor members know how to make exciting and driving movements efficiently. Perhaps, this album seems a bit slightly cold on the side of production (due to self-produced album by themselves), so some people feel that this album needs a bit warmness. Overall, from beginning to end, their ensemble and instrumentation are really excellent to pull off frequent shifting tempos, busy odd-time beats, keyboard/twin guitars interplays, and epic displays. Hence, I really enjoy this band's efforts very much. Really exciting and energetic ensembles you might enjoy quite a lot on their fantastic debut album. Definately, enthusiastic prog metal fans need to check out Empty Tremor with other notable and fresh Italian prog metal bands. Empty Tremor has strongly proved that Italy is a country that provides new talents and hidden treasures of prog metal.

Enchant - Blink of an Eye
Inside Out
(2002)

I do not disagree with people who said Blink of an Eye is not their best effort. But Blink of an Eye is relatively good new start since Paul Craddick left. Some hard edge tunes and some mellow tunes are featured nicely. Somehow, I enjoy listening to this cd entirely in 2002. Melodic hard Neo-Prog with hard edged prog metal sounds. Juggling 9 or Dropping 10 was really excellent song-oriented unique melodic progressive hard rock album, so it was kind of tough to follow making new album for Enchant camp. I found that some people who liked Paul Craddick's composition and melody making have kind of mixed feelings on latest album of Enchant, Blink of an Eye is another strong heavy neo-prog rock album. There are some heavy and powerful prog metallic tunes, and other tunes are geared toward mellower 90's modern hard rock sounds. I would say that this album will appeal people who like both Wounded and Break album. Paul and Benignus left Enchant, so it was kind of hard to fulfill their shoes. In spite of big loss for Enchant, new drummer and supporting keyboard player did really good job. Bonus track, Prognosis, is one killer bombastic tune. I chose Enchant's Blink of an Eye as top 3 album in 2002. Well done album.

Torben Enevoldsen - Flying Solo
Lion Music
(2005)

I am really glad to see that Torben Enevoldsen's music has been exposed really well, since he released his band efforts of Section A's first album. He used to be known as one of impressive guitar players from Lion Music, but nowadays I believe he has been known as both successful band member and instrumental guitarist. One time, I have mentioned that he had better form a band, so that many people have a chance to draw them close to Torben's music more. It's quite nice and successful for him to get music fans' supports and respects from prog metal/melodic metal fans all over the world. Okay having said that, let's investigate his latest effort called Flying Solo. After having released a successful melodic prog metal album of Section A, he took a time to finish up his third solo album. Probably, he is one of early Lion Music artists faithfully working his music, since Lion Music got started. Gradually, he builds up his own reputations and styles. I am not sure how other listeners view this album, but I think he purposely put the ingredients of mellowness on this instrumental works, while he lets loose his incredible guitar works with great energy on other tracks. As always, his guitar works absolutely entertain guitar fans. Comositions are well-laied out, and great melodies and phrasings are all over. So far, I put my favorite works of his have been still his first solo Guitarisma and his band format Section A, but Flying Solo is again his another great achievement to add special dimentions and fresh ideas. Recommended works for guitar kids and instrumental fans. Nice works!

Torben Enevoldsen - Guitarisma
Lion Music

Guitarisma is his first melodic guitar instrumental cd of Torben Enevoldsen I have heard. When you see the word like "Guitar Instrumental", instantly you name the guitarists like Jeff Beck, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Michael Schenker. At the same time, probably most guitarists have difficult time to provide similar impacts like those giant rock/metal guitarists I mentioned earlier on listeners. In the case of Torben Enevoldsen, he prepares some outstanding guitar instrumental pieces and song-oriented tunes pretty well. Guitarisma is a bit different from his another instrumental cd, Heavy Persuation. Yes, this album features lots of Torben's technical chops and tasty playing everywhere, but Kenny Lubcke sings on several tunes. Those melodic driven hard rock songs might help Guitarisma to appeal fans of Sanvoisen, Elegy, Narita, Royal Hunt, and Prime Time. Yeah, as you know that Torben Enevoldsen is also from Denmark, so why not appeal Melodic Hard Rock fans who enjoy Elegy and Royal Hunt? Probably, I mentioned before on the review of Rolf Munkes, but Torben need to have his band to collaborate with other musicians to get recognized all over the world, because his guitar skills and musicianship is above average level. I hope his incredible guitar talents will bloom and shine better, whenever he starts his group with other talented players. Guitarisma stands in the similar position like his another album, Heavy Persuation. But Guitarisma seems to offer colorful and warmer sounds a bit, whenever I hear. My favorite tracks from Guitarisma are faster and energetic of "Just In Case", melodic metal tune of "Time Run Out" featuring Kenny Lubcke, "Dream Come True", and a bit prog metal flavored "What If". Pure guitar maniacs will enjoy Torben's always tasteful guitar approach and heavier rock sounds with memorable tunes a la Cornerstone, Royal Hunt, and Ten. Even if you are not the type or person who is not into guitar instrumentals, the music itself on Guitarisma has lots of catchier and memorable tunes, esp., the songs featuring Kenny Lubcke have vibes of Sanvoisen and Cornerstone. This is Torben's album, but kind of close to band project sound. Pretty cohesive and well-written tunes offered to listeners. In fact, I enjoy keep listening to this album a lot. Honestly, I like Guitarisma better than Heavy Persuasion, which is also quite well-performed album. Hopefully, his next project will show improvement from his past and current works. Torben Enevoldsen has a potential to be a next guitar hero and thoughtful melodic rock composer. We should keep his name in our mind for future reference.

Torben Enevoldsen - Heavy Persuasion
Lion Music

Dannish guitar player, Torben Enevoldsen, has been recognized among some guitar maniacs, since he joined Jason Becker Tribute album. Heavy Persuation is one of his two releases. On this album, he collects several diverse instrumental tunes, such as melodic neo-classical heavy rock and Vai/Satriani influenced Americanized technical instrumental blasts. Torben's guitar playing proves he is able to control great tones and nice shred chops in balance. If you are a fan of Shrapnel Records' artists and Leviathan Records' guitar and instrumentals, you will be entertained by his technical skills and melodic phrasings. As you see that Lion Music gradually becomes a household name for guitar-fronted amazing artists. Personally, I enjoyed his guitar playings and nice phrasing structure. But I wish he would join in some other bands to explore his talents. He would be definately better when playing with other notable melodic metal bands or melodic hard rock bands. Overall, his style reminds me of other virtuoso guitar players sometimes, but well done.

Englund, Thorbjorn - Influences
Lion Music
(2006)

Thorbjorn Englund is known as the mastermind/shred guitar player of Swedish power metal group/project Winterlong. If you are a regular reader of my website, you have seen Thorbjorn's name more than a few times. Winterlong has released four albums so far through Lion Music, and gradually this name has become somewhat Thorbjorn's own project featuring a few skilled guest musicians from his musician's network. Believe or not, "Influences" is his official debut solo album. The fans of Winterlong since their early days have mixed feelings about the recent sounds, esp., from the latest album. Winterlong is no longer a typical Swedish powerful metal band anymore, yet has become into more modern/contemporary power metal with experimental touch by Mr. Englund. I think those fans, who are concerned about the situation surrounding Winterlong, would be happier about his solo album. This album contains unbelievabley sixteen tracks, and some people might think 16 tracks are too much. But his instrumentation and guitar performance are really shining and neo-classically influenced on several tracks. There are neither vocal tracks nor a group approach ensembles, but each track is quite catchy and accessible to both powerful metal and Swedish neo-classical HM fans. If you are into Winterlong's 3rd album, then his solo album would be a welcome one. The title of his album mentions 'influences', so you could find his various rock/metal styles, such as shred metal, neo-classical flavored instrumental, somewhat fusion/acoustic/Spanish elements, and so on. Even though his latest Winterlong music has very unique and modern to my tastes, I think what he plays on his solo album is very interesting to discover his various influences and favorite styles. Probably, this is one of my favorite ones he has ever done in the past and present.

Eniac Requiem - Space Eternal Void
Shrapnel Records
(1998)

This is led by technical guitar player Derek Taylor's project. As long as seeing the booklet of Eniac Requiem, you find some familiar faces from Haji's Kitchen and another superb guitarist Scott Stine. Stylistically, yes you are going to be floored by Shrapnel-style technical rock guitar instrumentals with modern edge. Although it looks another side project of Stine/Taylor or Haji's Kitchen, do not get deceived by the name of Eniac Requiem. Mostly performed and played by almost Derek Taylor himself than other members like Haji's Kitchen and Scott Stine. Believe or not, a few people mentioned that it looks a band effort, but actually not. I was really diaspointed to see that this is not a progressive metal band effort in reality. Putting aside such disapointing truth (somewhat rumor?), I really enjoyed listening to the second half of twisted modern edge progressive metal vibes and instrumental works. Undeniably, Derek Taylor's guitar solos and leads are monster!! If you are into Shrapnel Records' artists and bands like Artension and Taylor/Stine, you would be into this so much. Instrumentally, this appeals to guitar freaks quite a lot.

Eumeria - Rebel Mind
Independent Release
(2011)

You might have seen the opinions and arguments going like..."The whole prog metal scene has been so stagnant somehow during recent years. There are not good enough bands out there anymore to check out, because of samey staccato guitar riffs and similar musical arrangements they only come up with. This scene may go into the dead end." But I totally disagree with their thoughts and such negative observation coming from various metal/rock listeners. Even though the momentum of prog metal has not been perhaps very strong comparing to the late 1990's, prog metal scene constantly offers fabulous groups and musicians making strong efforts every year (for instance, Aspera, Creation's End, Circus Maximus, Seventh Wonder, Status Minor, and Votum to name just a few). If you are enthusiastic prog metal/rock fans, you could understand how I view the recent movement so far. Therefore, I have nothing to complain the whole prog metal genre unless there is a great famine of quality releases from the scene.

Okay having said that, it's my pleasure to introduce a fantastic new multi-national prog metal band called Eumeria. Eumeria is a progressive metal band originally formed by former member of Outworld/Thought Chamber, Bobby Williamson (keyboardist) in 2009. This group consists of Jonny Tatum (singer), Reece Fullwood (guitar), Kevin Bartlett (drummer) and Shawn Kascak (bassist) besides Bobby Williamson. This group is a sort of multi-national metal group; some members are British, except for both Bobby and Shawn from United States. It's interesting to see that Shawn Kascak is also a former member of American prog metal group Outworld. What a suprisingly incredible debut cd I've checked out so far. Sometimes, the prog metal genre demands the listener should pay attention to the music intensively and need to give several spins to digest the music fully. In other words, some cds of this genre are not accessible for non-prog metal listeners unless you give some efforts to absorb something actively; that's the nature of this kind of music genre when you encounter. But, in the case of Eumeria, the compositions, ensemble and solo parts by the band are not difficult to get into. Instead, their style is quite accessible and catchy enough for every metal and rock fan to dive into. Thanks for taking incredible amount of times to complete this hard task.

From beginning to end, each song is meticulously performed and arranged with a great sound production. In other words, I could say there is no fillers on this cd. Prog metal genre tends to be a little bit difficult to get into without some repeated listenings for some, but it's worthwhile to do that for discovering listening pleasures in my opinion. However, the cd of Eumeria grabs the listener instantly for even the first listening experience; definitely subsequent listens of this album enhance your listening pleasure. They manage to make music quite varied with great performance of each musician and nice engineering works helped by mixing and mastering of Jacob Hansen. What I'm impressed with their music is their keen sensitivity of making a good balance between song-oriented approach and technical performance. They also put the emphasis on accessible melodies and catchy elements and some kind of mesmerizing atmospheres. Every song on this debut album of Eumeria has its own charm and great mesmerizing melodic sensibilities. Highlights of this album are everywhere. The songs like "Legion", "Delusions", "Rebel Mind" and "The Key" are having the immediate punches and intense power by the whole group. On the other hand, they also showcase some atmospheric, sensible, yet dynamically orchestrated songs without losing power and heavy elements like "Father", "Tides" and "Secret Places." "Red Light Flies" is one of exceptions, it's entirely arranged as a calmer and somber song to sink into. "Dreaming of Death" is one of my favorite numbers that has some time-changes and speedy up-tempo parts with complex arrangements.

Of course, the keyboard performance and lightning-fast solos by Bobby Williamson definitely appeal to the listener who is into his synth works, since the days of Outworld and Thought Chamber; that's totally amazing every time you hear. To me, his technical works with the ability of choosing right synth lead sounds are also exceptional. In addition, Reece Fullwood's guitar performance is quite awesome and astonishing as well. If you are into technical shred and complex guitar solo works, you should pay attention to his work. The guitar works of Reece is another appeal point to check out the cd of Eumeria. Esp., guitar and synth solo parts in most songs of this prog metal group are quite fascinating for the listener who is into this kind of great musicianship Surely, this is my first time to check out the vocal performance of Jonny Tatum; he is one of focal points to check out Eumeria's music. Jonny's vocal delivery and expression is really powerful to dramatize the whole music. His timbers and reminds me a bit of Sun Caged singer Paul Adrian Villarreal in a good way, when he sings in the relatively calm and mesmerizing parts of the songs on the second half of cd. But, of course Jonny has his own style and strong identity. In addition, all rhythm section of this group pulls off complex parts and straightforward intensity as well. I could say that Eumeria's band ensemble is nearly flawless and it sounds almost perfect.

Overall, the debut album of Eumeria satisfies enthusiastic prog metal fans out there. Stylistically, what they showcase here on the cd is not far away from the contemporary prog metal groups like Sun Caged, Andromeda, Circus Maximus, Symphony X and Dream Theater. But please do not get me wong; what they have accomplished here does not mean following the trends of the above mentioned groups at all. Eumeria surely put great amount of energies to complete this difficult job for this release. It's a kind of amazing to find out that this execelent album is made by a brand-new group, even though we know the fact that they include veteran players like Bobby and Shawn. I strongly feel that Eumeria will get new fans gradually, as this album gets known to the metal scene in the world. 'Rebel Mind" cd has lots of great songs and memorable melodies with superb band performance. Highly recommended for the fans of quality prog metal. In addition, the music of Eumeria would also appeal to quality melodic metal fans who are into Kamelot and Artension. If you are curious about this group, please check out their music on their official website and their releated music sites to support them. Definitely, one of best albums in 2011 in my honest opinion. Congratulations for the great work the all members of Eumeria have done.

[official website: http://www.eumeria.com/]
[contact: info@eumeria.com]

Evenlost - The Power of Evil
Independent Release
(2004)

Six-piece melodic power metal band hailing from Pereila, Columbia. Evenlost plays intense melodic power metal with uptempo beats and lots of fluid guitar solos and keyboard solo. Until this point, I have never been familiar with Columbia metal scene. However, I gradually get the idea what's going on in their music scene, particularly Metal field. Just like the bands from Brazil, I personally get amused with their musicianship and song-writing skills. What I mean by that is the Columbian bands I happen to be famliar with are all relatively solid and very good at crafting melodic speed metal and powerful metal. Stylistically, the music of Evenlost reminds me a bit of Labyrinth and Angra, but they add their own interpretation and energetic ensemble throughout the cd. Actually, I am very impressed with these young metal musicians who enthusiastically have worked hard to make the music well. Nowadays, I do not get suprised to find good power metal bands from any other country. In fact, I am quite happy to know that metal music still means very imporatnt for youngsters like Evenlost and other Columbian metal bands. Before listening to the bands from Coloumbia, I had no idea what I could expect from their music. In these days, it is kind of difficult to be satisfied with the floods of mediocre power metal bands. Nowadays, I almost feel I might have been burnt-out on melodic speed metal that sounds very identical. Well, Evenlost will not be able to shake the earth, but but...I think what they displays on this album, somewhat appeals to me. Well-structred melodic power metal with nice solos and hard driving energy. I believe that these Columbian bands do really well as well as nowadays' quality Brazillian metal bands and some European melodic metal bands. I hope they keep up a good work and maintain hard energy. If you are curious about them and supporting melodic speed metal, then go and visit their site. I think they will be very happy.
[website] http://www.evenlost.com/

Evergrey - Recreation Day
InsideOut
(2003)

WOAH!! They get the job done perfectly (for progressive power fans) on their latest album. I think they release really fantastic progressive power metal every time. Now, here it is I want to talk about Evergrey - Recreation Day. I thought their previous album, In Search of Truth, was really magnificent creation, so they might have really hard time to make better album after ISoT. As a result, Recreation Day might be as excellent as their previous works. To me, this album is really appealing most progressive power metal fans out there. Comparing to previous works, they improved and add more crunchier and aggressive sounds with sort of modernized sounds. Very heavy and powerful with some complexities usually we find on progressive power metal bands' music, yet the songs of Recreation Day are really catchy and hook-laden. On the department of Tom S. Englands' vocal parts, Tom used his husky voice and a few other different voice tones to create emotional dramas on some topics like lonliness, dark areas of your life, some kind of life and death issues. A guest female vocalist, Carina's vocal performance, enhances pretty nicely on a few other spots to create atmospheric sounds. Somewhat, instrumental sections are bit straighter than previously, but we hear enough semi-technical ensembles and bombastic agression with nice keyboard sounds (which mostly help to add modern and bit contemporary atmospheres). Yes, definately their trademark of twin guitar attacks is still there to enjoy. I would say Recreation Day is their best work so far, because each song is really nicely done with important elements, e.g., powerfulness, beautyness, darkness, complexities, dramatics, and intelligentness, which are combined cohesively. I am very satisfied with this final result. In the abroad, some people consider that there might have some kind of mixing or mastering's minor problems, such as clipping and stuff like that. Like the majority opinions, I do not hear any such distractions to check out their new album, anyway. Overall, all things I hear on Recreation Day is very impressive and excellent. One of best progressive power metal releases in 2003. Highly Recommended album for power oriented prog metal fans.

Event - Human Condition
Inside Out

Most people, who liked Event's first album "Electric Sky", seemed to be really disappointed with Event's second effort called Human Condition. Before I checked out this album, I was kind of hesitant to check out, because so many people mentioned that Human Condition was not as excellent as Electric Sky. Well, after listening to this album several times, my impression was fortunately different from disappointing opinions about Human Condition. Yes, definately Human Condition is very different from Dream Theater-style technical proggy previous album. Event seems to move Nu-Metallic approach with hints of King's X. Somewhat, I heard similar atmospheres and approach of Masquerade's Surface Tension album. Even though the style of Human Condition is different from typical prog metal, musicianship and songwriting approach is quite heavy and somewhat complex, esp., guitar playing. Most Dream Theater influences and proggy metal parts fade away, that is for sure. Overall, this is another well-done album for some listeners who are open-minded listeners I think.

Everon - Fantasma
Mascot Records
(2000)

Woa!, I had never noticed how this band sounded really good until last year. Just recently, they have released latest album, Bridge, in 2002. Fantasma was released in 2000, but I did not know them that much until last year and this year. Everon is playing really fine neo-progressive symphonic hard rock music with some heavier approach comparing to other neo-prog bands. Although I am not so familiar with their other musical discographies, Everon seems to have been long standing veteran heavy and epic neo-progressive rock band more than 10 years. As for entire album of Fantasma, it seems that there are no weak songs. Each song has very strong hookness, catchieness, bombastic ensembles, highly skilled chops and intricate rhythmic approach. Outstanding and fabulous offering from Fantasma from my listening experience. They are different from any other prog rock contemporaries. If Kansas were European band, then it would had sounded like this effort. Everon must appeal fans of melodic prog rock and progressive metal generally. The more I listen to Fantasma, the more I get drawn to their wonderful music world. Full of emotions, epic, power, and symphonic ensembles in their neo-prog contexts. They know how to take care of making a mixture of symphonic sounds and bombastic/energetic performance. Quite impressive and amazing release!! If I listened to this magnificent materials in 2000, I would have chosen this album in top five of 2000. I regret how I have been late to know this band. Well, bette late than never..., if you find this Fantasma album on the shelf of cd store near you, do not hesitate grab this cd. Fantasma leads you to fantastic music world with full of joy and passion. Personally, there is no weak point in the department of sound, production, and performance. Totally surprising gem in neo-progressive rock and progressive metal world. Breathe-taking work from Everon camp.
[http://www.everon.de]

Evil Wings - s/t
Underground Symphony
(1994)

Surprising disc! Their first album sounds kind of similar to Black Jester, early Shadow Gallery, and some Italian symphonic prog metal. This first album stays in the area of progressive metal. But Colors of The New World (third album) sounds very different from this one. Colour of The New World is kind of groovy heavy prog rock with bits of funky and psychedelic to me. I prefer this first album. Lots of intricate and complex ensembles and guitar/keyboard interplays I totally enjoyed.

Evil Wings - Colors of the New World
Adrenaline Records
(1999)

As you know that Evil Wings has been known as one of veteran prog metal bands from Italy. Their their release, Colors of the New World, is taking definately totally different approach from their former two releases in the style of Italian prog metal. Italian prog metal bands usually have been creating excellent Dream Theater influenced melodic prog metal, but Evil Wing's Colors of the New World is not categorized in the same league of those other bands. This album leans toward the style of heavier neo-progressive rock with some hints of their earlier prog metal approach, some 70s prog rock and modern heavy rock. Indeed, They keep some kind of prog metal style, but totally toned down prog metal atmospheres, because I have hardly heard hard crunchy guirar-oriented sounds on this CotNW album. Rather, they sometimes use fuzzier overdrive guitar sounds, and less using symphonic prog metal sounds. This album requires listeners to take time to listen to whole music. From my impression, heavier and up-tempo straight-forward prog metal tunes with less typical prog metal guitar crunch and complex parts, "Flowers", "Away" and "Sell My Soul (Damnation)", have appeared to be a new approach. Intricate bombastic prog metal tracks like "Big Old Roundabout" and "The Secret" (18:01) are pretty excellent and highlight on this album, but these tune are the only long epic exceptions. "Searching" is the tune having soothing and calrmer atmopshere, yet having bombastic and energetic parts at the same time. "Starship" has Pink Floyd-ish calmer atmospheres. Apparently on the tunes like title track "Colors of the New World", "Big Old Roundabout", and "Searching", Evil Wings have started developing their own sounds cooking in the neo-progressive heavy style. However, I wish them to create and play the tune like "Big Old Roundabout" and "The Secret" more and more to keep my attention on this band's future. Most tunes are kind of simplified and up-tempo/groovy hard progressive rock than their other efforts. In addition, a few tunes are merely groovy melodic heavy rock. I am afraid that most Evil Wings fans who are into their earlier albums would be disappointed the result of CotNW. Although it takes time to digest this one entirely, whole arrangements and performance of Evil Wings do not hurt production on CotNW. Slowly its album will grab my heart to get satisfied. Perhaps, Colors of the New World is not highly recommended Evil Wings album. Go get the cd of their previous two excellent intricate prog metal albums at first, and go back to Colors of the New World. Then it will give you different perspective on this band. If you are looking for the sound style of Dream Theater, Shadow Gallery, Vanden Plas, and Enchant, then you had better look for Evil Wings' earlier albums to fullfill your satisfaction. On the other hand, if you are looking for a bit different type of prog metal lite or neo-progressive rock sounds, then Colors of the New World will click on you hopefully. With said that, this album contains some interesting ideas and unique melodic heavy approach and giving different angles from Prog Metal music. Well-produced and arranged album with unique and new approach. Maybe, we should wait for their next album, Kite from Evil Wings next time.
[Adrenaline Records: http://www.adrenaline.it]
[Address: Adrenaline Records Via Matteucci,
25/27 20043 Arcore - Milano - ITALY]
[E-mail: info@adrenaline.it]

Exawatt - 2K2
Independent Release
(2002)

Italian symphonic prog/power metal band's latest release. 2K2 features pounding prog metal, symphonic power metal, and neo-classical flavored tracks with one cover track. Exawatt consists of five members. Through some member changes within the band, Exawatt has been striving for good sounding materials. What I am impressed with this band is the arrangements of keyboards and impressive synth solos by Andrea Corsetti, who is also responsible for 2K2's production. Musically, the reference point of Exawatt would be the music of Vanden Plas, Symphony X, and Stratovarius. However, they find their own characters and original charms with Italian interpretation. Personally, I am curious how they develop their materials in the near future. In the case of Exawatt, they constantly performing at live gigs with the bands and artists like Domine, Vision Divine, Dynamic Lights, and Fabio Lione to name just a few. I believe they would go to make interesting music as long as I listen to 2K2. Hopefully, they will return to the scene with another strong materials. Good job to Exawatt camp.

Eyekon - Tabula Rasa
Independent Release
(2003)

One of prog metal bands from Sweden caught my attention is Eyekon. According to their website's information, they have already released three demo-recordings. Tabula Rasa is most recent release from Eyekon. Eyekon consists of Victor (vocal/guitars), Thomas (bass), Anders (keyboards), and Jocke (drums). Recently, Eyekon has been getting exposed to Sweden Rock scene and Prog Metal audiences slowly. Courtesy by Eyekon camp, I received safely this cd for review writing. Since I got this cd, I find really great enjoyment from Tabula Rasa. As I saw the jacket for the first time, I could not imagine what kind of sound pop out. After played the button of my cd player, it comes out solid and melodic prog metal sounds that immediatly hit my music comfort zone in the right spot. Stylistically, Eyekon's music will appeal to the fans of Mayadome and Fates Warning in my guess. Eyekon utilizes odd-time beats and tempo changes really smooth to make interesting. While I was listening to the cd of Tabula Rasa, I am drawn to their driving energy and intelligent music ensemble. The instrumentation itself of this band is not very technical, but they add enough complexity and nice keyboards/guitar section. Wow, I am very impressed with the music of Tabula Rasa. It is too bad that Tabula Rasa contains only two long tracks, so I wish I wanted to hear more from them. Each musician of Tabula Rasa is skilled musican, but I assume that they do not go into technical sides quite often. In other words, they know how to create interesting sounds without leaning on super-intricate instrumentaion. There had enough intricacies and complex arrangements. I would like to conclude that Eyekon will keep making interesting music. I hope I would like to hear their new music in the future. Really good job done by Eyekon.
[website: http://www.eyekon.nu/]
[contact: info@eyekon.nu, thomas@eyekon.nu]