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Rain Fell Within - Refuge
Razor Wire Shrine - Going Deaf For A Living
Reading Zero - The Actual
Reading Zero - Satellite Sessions
Reading Zero - New E.P.
Redemption - s/t
Redemption - The Fullness of Time
Relayer - The Teething Fasion
Renaissance - Ashes Are Burning
Resistance - Lies In Black
Rest In Peace - Evilution
Rest In Peace - Stares on Reality
Ricochet - Among The Elements
Rio, Jose Del - Journey Into The Fourth Dimension
Patrick Rondat - On The Edge
Root - Poles Apart
Uli Jon Roth: Beyond Inspiration - A Tribute to Uli Jon Roth
Royal Hunt - Paradox
Jordan Rudess - Feeding The Wheel

Rain Fell Within - Refuge
Dark Symphonies
(2002)

Before I put this cd on my stereo player, I did not expect anything incredible. Nevertheless, this cd turns out stunning and superb gothic/atmospheric metal with lots of dramatic sounds and good amounts of complexities for my ears. Refuge totally blew my mind. It is always fun to explore some excellent gothic and atmospheric metal bands that have talents, and how to make music dramatic and complex, such as DREAMS OF SANITY, AFTER FOREVER, TRISTANIA, ARABESQUE, HEADLINE, BRAVE and so forth. Some gothic metal bands try to push their boundaries, even close to the territory of prog rock and prog metal (Refuge album's first few tracks sound kind of closer to BRAVE, AFTER FOREVER, and HEADLINE). The bands like RAIN FELL WITHIN and BRAVE should not be ignored, if you are open minded to both gothic metal/atmospheric metal and prog metal bands.

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Razor Wire Shrine - Going Deaf For A Living
PMM
(2004)

One of best prog rock releases in the year of 2004 for me. In recent years, PROGRESSIVE MUSIC MANAMENT have kept releasing quality works like Gratto and Mythologic. Now, they have released another great prog rock project's album, Razor Wire Shrine - Going Deaf For A Living. Going Deaf For A Living is really intense and killer work. It is totally technical and intricate prog rock/metal instrumental onslaught. The color of this album jacket represents intensity and urgent feeling. Once again, this is the latest product mainly composed and arranged by Chris Rodler (guitar/bass) and Brett Rodler (drummer) with guest guitarist called Mike Ohm. Entirely, each track is shred-fest and technically well-executed. It is non-stop technical and progressive ensemble I have enjoyed so far. I am very impressed with Rodler brothers' intense works. Esp., Brett Rodler's drumming and cymbal works are very great. I think Brett has been underrated for long time, but this album notify prog rock listeners Brett is definately one of most excellent drummers out there. Definately, one of contenders in the best drummer category in 2004. In this album, Chris mostly focus on complex guitar rhythm parts and bass playing. Musician's Institute guraduate, Mike Ohm's lead guitar playing is really fluid and very melodic, too. Well, I think Razor Wire Shrine totally appreal to progressive instrumental mania rather than standard song-oriented music fans. Going Deaf For A Living definately requires you to spin ths cd more than a few times. Yes, with a few repeated listens is not enough to follow what is going on. Throughout the cd, everything is totally ripping and moving forward like energetic lava flows. Thre more I listen to this one, the more I come to realize how intense this is. It is interesting to notice that Rodler brothers always combine progressive arrangements and technically metallic ensemble in their products. Althought I have never heard of Leger De Main at this point, they are really good at producing and performing their own music in the border line of hard driving prog and metallic instrumentals. I can imagine that it must be very intricate to pull off everything right, esp., in the department of complex polyrythmic sections and shred-fest parts tightly. Overall, I am very satisfied with this album. Another winner!! This is really incredible stuff, so if you are fan of hot burning technical ensemble and progified metal (I just made up the word, but hopefully you understand what I mean), please support them and buy the cd. Satisfacation guranteed.

Reading Zero - The Actual
Independent Release
(1997)

Solid and tight progressive metal band from U.S.A. This one is their first full length heavy prog metal album which reminds me of a bit of Fates Warning - 'Perfect Symmetry' and some Queensryche albums. However, they have their own identity and atmospheres. I might prefer the energy and solidness on this first album than their second album which occupied with some spacey and atmospheric prog metal world. 'The Actual' gives me kind of fresh feeling from their heavy and intense prog metal sounds. They are definately exploring their own attitude and sounds. This is good.

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Reading Zero - Satellite Sessions
Independent Release
(2001)

When you hear the word of "Progressive" or "Prog", what does come up to your mind?? In 90's, Progressive Metal genre has been getting known and being recognized among the fans of heavy rock and metal with harder edge, yet complexed and dramatic elements, since QUEENSRYCHE, FATES WARNING, and Dream Theater appeared the scene with stunnning albums and music, which define Progressive Metal/Prog Rock music. There is always great debate what is progressive and what is not. Well, I put aside the debate the definition of prog or prog metal anyway. As we see the Prog Metal scene flourished through everywhere, definately prog metal music has been welcomed by many people. At the same time, we see there are some prog metal bands which have categorized in the term of either BIG 4 Prog Metal schools, such as Dream Theater, Queensryche, Fates Warning, and Psychotic Waltz-vein, etc.etc.... On the other hand, we also find some bands do not belong to any style I have mentioned above.In the case of READING ZERO from United Sates, it is not easy to pinpoint an exact description of their music. All I can say about Reading Zero is that they are doing definately Progressive Metal music, however they are not categorized in the same style like Dream Theater school or Fates Warning school. They have created the sound which stepped away from typical Prog Metal music which we usually refer to the genre having complex and intricate ensembles with keyboard dominated lush sounds.After their self-released debut album "The Actual" hit the scene of Prog Metal, Reading Zero has started being noticed among Prog Metal die-hard fans, then here I get my hands on their second album, Satellite Sessions. Satellite Sessions basically contains some calm/moody parts, strong vocals, aggressive and powerful dark heavy edge with melodic passages. Probably, you feel Queensryche/Fates Warning influences on them at glance. That is their roots of influences, but their music is not so-called QR/FW veins. Rather, they create totally original powerful and moody prog metal with melodic passages. Moreover, they concentrate on making song-oriented music featuging moody/dark atmospheres and dynamic progressive metal sounds on Satellite Sessions. Neither irrelevant flashey guitar solos nor speedy laserbeam sonic synth lead shreds you normally hear on prog metal bands. If you are into moody and dark atmospheric melodic prog metal without technical and intricate ensembles or instrumental solos, Reading Zero hit your senses hidden inside of you. However, it does not mean they are not great musicians. In some sections, they proves that they shows complexed ensembles and some memorable guitar playings, such as on the tracks of "Scene.Unseen", "Wavelength", and espl, my favorite tracks on "Turning Down The Sun". Instrumentally, they are proficient musician combo. Probably, some people have been very picky about their sound productions due to self-recorded, mixed and produced by themselves by the band itself, but I really do not care about sound production that much in the case of Reading Zero - Sattelite Sessions, because it contains interesting ideas packed in the same album. Dark and moody atmoepheres are flowing on the melodic phrasings and some unique lyrics. Highlight tunes of Sattelite Sessions are "Scene, Unsceen", "Turning Down The Sun", which is esp. killer tune to me, "Drinking Tea with the Moon", and "Discarding The Frame". Satellite Session proves that there are some unknown territories in Prog Metal music t explore for musicians and fans as well. Every time I take a few listens to Satellite Sessions, it gives some kind of green shades surrounding me, and somewhere above stratospheres on the earth, artificial satellelight is hovering and watching the situation on both earth and mankind. Definately, inspiring and hypnotic feeling comes down to me. Nice effort, Reading Zero guys :-)

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Reading Zero - New E.P.
Independent Release
(2003?)

Two previous albums of U.S. prog metal group captured the hearts of most underground prog metal fans. Since Reading Zero released the energetic and brooding prog metal album 'Satellite Sessions', their fans have been wondering the status of this East coast group. Luckily, they keep up maintaining level of complexity and passionate sounds on this E.P. Even though this is not an official new album, this new E.P. has strong instrumental grooves and intricacies with the voice of Chris Roy who also pariticipated as a guest singer on the album of Power of Omen's latest album. Musically, I think the songs on this EP has strong energy and solid performance like their previous works. There also have immediate feelings and punchier prog metal sounds than before. Do not worry about their future; I believe that they are going to bring stonger performance with upcoming new album very soon (we are hoping). Thanks for the sincere works to keep up great energy and music ability to sound fresh and powerful on this music. Somewhat, guitar-oriented prog metal fans who are enjoying Trivial Act and Manitou could find something pleasant moments from this E.P. In fact, I am very satisfied with their music and intense instrumental performance from this U.S. prog metal group. Just go for it, Reading Zero! :-)

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Redemption - s/t
Sensory
(2003)

Redemption is U.S. prog metal project led by Nick van Dyk (lead and rhythm guitars, bass, keyboards) and produced by himself and Ray Alder (Fates Warning) with help from some musicians including Jason Rullo of Symphony X (drums), Rick Mythiasin of Steel Prophet (vocals), and Bernie Versailles of Engine (guitars). In addition, there are several guest musians also appearing, such as Ray Alder, Mark Zonder, and Symphony X's Michael Romeo who arranged orchestrations and programming synth. Definately, this project is categorized as new super project of prog metal. Musically, their music has been inspired by powerful metal and complex prog metal putting the emphasis on heavy and dark side, which remind of Evergrey and Savatage. There are several speedy, blistering and complex ensemble sections. In my case, I prefer the second half of this album featuring lots of exciting guitar and keyboard solos with intricate sections (honestly, I had hard time to get into a few tunes on the first part on this album, even though the performance itself is quite heavy and complex enough). Well, I guess it was difficult to put all lyrics and music togheter played by all musicians from different bands wisely. However, Redemption did their good job. Recommended for fans of dark and powerful complex metal with epic stories.

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Redemption - The Fullness of Time
Massacre Records/Sensory Records
(2005)

Monsterous 2nd album from a guitar player Nick van Dyk-led melodic prog metal band from California, United States. As a big prog metal fans myself, I can tell 'The Fullness of Time' album shows a superb big achievement. Of course, their first album contains a promising epic song in the end, this second album surpass the efforts of the previous album. The songs featured on this album are really tight and quite bombastic all the time. The flow of this album is very solid and not swayed at all without any intereference. They pull off magnificent prog metal instrumentations and furious guitar solos with nice keyboard sounds. With helps of rhythm section of Prymary and Fates Warning's lead vocalist Fates Warning, new album of Redemption has achieve a status of new masterpiece of prog metal. What can I say more? Absolutely magnificent melodic metal gems you can fine here. Congratulations for all members of Redemption putting such a tremendous efforts and energies. Definitely, Highest recommendation for all prog metal fans out there. It's a simply SUPERB and STUNNING album!!

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Relayer - The Teething Fasion
Angular Records
(1996)

As you see the band name, you will assume this band is kind of Yes influenced band. Yeah, I think you could say that. Probably, Relayer is a kind of neo-proggier Yes, but they do more than that. Probably it's a mixture of Yes and Enchant with nice instrumentation. I enjoyed this cd.

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Renaissance - Ashes Are Burning
Warner Bros. Records
(1973)

Simply, their music on 'Ashes Are Burning' is very beautiful and emotional. Renaissance is not heavy and not really hard enough. But who cares..., the music of Renaissance, such as "Can You Understand", "Carpet Of The Sun", and "Ashes Are Burning" are absolutely fabulous and outstanding. The way Annie Haslam sings on Renaissance is mesmerizing and beautiful. To sum up their music, it is really folkie, symphonic, and British!! You do not find mind-boggling technical ensembles or superb leads, but simply great melodies, nice acoustic guitar strumming, astonishing keyboard/piano accompaniments (nice harpsichord playing and piano arpeggios, esp., by John T., he rules!!) and emotion-filled symphonic arrangements. Personally, the Renaissance songwriter, Micheal Dunford, is a great composer who knows how to make fantastic music. Betty Thatcher seems to be unsung songwriter, but her songwriting is great. Her writing sounds very poetic!! I like her lyrics very much. Just recently, I re-discover how Renaissance is great music group!! Ashes Are Burning album should be a must item for people who also appreciate old progressive rock music. If you are into all kinds of prog rock music, I highly recommend Renaissance - Ashes Are Burning. Does anybody agree with me??

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Resistance - Lies In Black
Lion Music
(2005)

It's quite impressive release onslaught going on from Lion Music. Resistance from United States is one of newly signed powerful metal bands on Lion Music. Nowadays, there have been lots of Euro-style epic metal bands and Gothic/Atmospheric metal groups. In the case of Resistance, they focus on playing staright-forward and solid powerful heavy metal with sheer energy. Additionally, I am suprised to see that this band comes from L.A., where used to be a capitol city of 80's glam bands and so-called LA Metal groups. Nevertheless, they burn the spirits of honest heavy metal and powerful hard music. If you are into mid-80's metal music, I think you might like what they perfrom on Lies In Black here. I guess it is quite tough to being honest with your music in this difficult music scene since 1990's. Anyway, this band retains the legacy of mid-80s metal energy and some elements from Thrash/Power with memorable hookliness like Skid Row. The music of Resistance is enjoyable for metal listeners who are nostalgic about 80s and early 90s.

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Rest In Peace - Evilution
Brennus
(2003)

Evilution is French prog metal band, Rest In Peace's 3rd full length album. In these days, gradually the melodic and complex prog metal bands in France have started being introduced to the world prog metal scene. Rest In Peace is a relatively known prog metal band in the French scene. On Evilution album, they seem to inject the elements of Shadow Gallery-like theatrics and hard edge of Vanden Plas with Angra-like orchstrations. Each track on this album has own story including mankind problems, dealing emotions, history, mythology, and so forth. I like the middle section of "Diary of A Merchant Man Pt.2" having a slight complex parts with interesting keyboard passage. "Heroes of Antarctica" has lots of clean guitar melodies. Later on, I come to realize that this album has something lacking, even though each player has good musical skill to perform nicely. Somehow, the melody lines of each song does not have own charms, and do not appeal to my heart during my listening session. Overall, the ensemble of Rest In Peace is very tight and actually good. I guess that they need to work on memorable hookliness and adorable vocal melody lines to capture the hearts of listeners. I understand that they worked very hard for this album, so I would like to respect their efforts and energy. However, I could not enjoy the entire album fully. On the other hand, there are a few other shining moments, inspite of my somewhat minor complaints. "Blood Tears" has very impressive grand piano introduction by Cyrille Galle that I really like a lot. This grand piano performance of Galle is very outstanding, and I was really impressed. "Urban Bluesy Night" has also good vibe and immediate punchy moment with nice complex moments. A guest guitarist Eric Francarilla's impresssive guitar solo reminds me a bit of Vanden Plas/Avalon-like tightness. Some melody lines of "Future Primitive" and last track "Final Hope" are quite similar to Angra's tune "Fireworks" that sound all right. I enjoyed their previous works like "Stares on Reality", but Evilution is a bit of let-down to me. Hopefully, they make new album much better than Evilution next time.

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Rest In Peace - Stares on Reality
Black Cat Records
(2000)

If my memory serves correctly (I hope), 'Stares on Reality' is the first debut album for French prog metal group Rest In Peace. In recent years, we have seen lots of quality prog metal groups' releases, such as Venturia, Spheric Universe Experience, Lord of Mushrooms, and Dreamlost to name just a few. I've heard there are great numbers of prog metal supporters in France enjoying the music of Dream Theater and Vanden Plas in parcitular. In the case of Rest In Peace, they've been striving hard to get known for their perfoming activity of prog metal since the middle of 1990's. As I heard this album several times, I admit the production of their first album still stuggles in the demanding prog metal scene. But I could get their passion toward performing bombastic prog power metal style entirely. Their style is a kind of cross between late 80's and early 90's melodic power metal and Dream Theater style complex prog metal. Although I would not say I was blown away by this album, 'Stares on Reality' by this French veteran group has several great moments and surprises, esp., in the second half of this album. I think the instrumentation of this group on this first album is complex enough for the fans of prog power metal to enjoy. Indeed, I like their musical direction here. Somehow, the instrumental section of this group remind me of some Italian prog metal groups. Overall, they did a good job on this album. I definitely prefer their first album to their follow-up new album 'Evilution'.

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Richochet - Among The Elements
T& T

Ricochet from Germany seems to sound close to lite prog metal genre, a la Ivory Tower and Mind's Eye. Actually, I was a bit of surprised by a small mastered volume which was too adjusted, while listening to Among The Elements from my stereo player. But the more I listen to each song on Among The Elements, the more I enjoy the sound and music they created. Soundwise, their style could be categorized as lite melodic prog metal. Among The Elements contain precious prog metal tunes a la "Vision End", "Among The Elements", "I Can't Follow", and just to name a few. As I hear closely to the department of performance side, each musician plays tightly, and give us to find short impressive solo spots. This band seems not have been into technical chops, but focus on accomplishing thrilling semi-complex parts with hookliness. To me, "Visions End" and "I Can't Follow" have caught my attension since my first listening session of Ricochet. Morever, "Angels", "I Need An Answer" give emotional and etherial moments to listeners. I think if you enjoy the bands like Enchant, Shadow Gallery, Arena, and some harder neo-prog bands and lite prog metal bands, you will find the moments of tranquility from their music.

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Rio, Jose Del - Journey Into The Fourth Dimension
Lion Music
(2006)

Jose Del Rio is a neo-classical guitarist from Chile. 'Journey Into The Fourth Dimension' is his ambitious first official album released from Lion Music. Although he might not have been well-known artists in metal scene yet, Jose Del Rio plays very fast and shred everywhere. I am not familiar with many artists from Chile, except for talented prog musicians who immigrated to different country like Daniel Flores of Mind's Eye and ex.The Flower Kings drummer Jaime Salazar. I assume that there are some talented musicians in Chile. Within his affordable budget, the cd of 'Journey Into The Fourth Dimention' displays epic melodic power metal with emphasis on speed and neo-classical metal influences. While there are lots of blazing guitar parts, you'll also notice tasty shred keyboard solos courtesy by Vitalij Kupurij from Artension as a guest player. If you are into the music like Italian melodic speed metal and neo-classical HM, then this is a good album to check out.

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Patrick Rondat - On The Edge
Limb Music
(1999)

I know that this cd was released a few years ago back then. It is very late to recognize this cd, but this cd totally blew me away. Very awesome album indeed. Top-notch musicianship has been displayed on this album. On The Edge is totally instrumental album, but boy!! this album smokes!! I really start digging this album. Patrick did really fine jobs on the albums like Consortium Project and ELEGY....but his playing and compositions on this album are very outstanding. Even though musically this album is classified as Melodic Instrumental Rock, but some tunes are really technical and bombastic, which remind me of Vanden Plas meets Dream Theater with nice chops like Tony MacAlpine and Vinnie Moore. Currently, I have not been listening to much of instrumental music like...Shrapnel style instrumentals and stuff like that. Patrick Rondat's style sometimes remind me of Vinnie Moore, Tony MacAlpine, and such great talented musicians...but his music is very fascinating and having lots of musical hooks and charms.. I am totally excited with his album. Great album!! I enjoy this album so much now :)

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Root - Poles Apart
Independent Release
(2000)

Poles Apart is well-constructed symphonic prog rock album composed by British prog rocker, ROOT. Root is David Kendall's own project, and he handles all instruments and vocals. At glance, I instantly thought that Poles Apart are kind of attracting the fans of Pink Floyd, Marillion (Steve Hogarth-era), Arena, Ayreon, Scott Mosher, and Saga. Musically, song-oriented neo-prog rock tunes are everywhere on this album. Amazingly, David plays most instrumental really confidently, and put together nicely. He sings pretty warm and smooth, which reminds me a little bit of Spock's Beard singer, Neil Morse, and Steve Hogarth. Mostly, emotional guitar playing is dominant, but melodius and ambient keyboard works are quite nice, too. Entirely, all instrumentaions of David Kendall is quite well put, so it is hard to believe that everything is taken care of by himself David alone. Even, drum sounds like as close as human being is playing (I assume he is using drum machine and drum patches from keyboad, though). Poles Apart album features some calmer tunes, atmospheric/ambient tunes, and emotional hard-driving prog rock tunes. Root does not go overly intricate and overwhelmingly technical veins, rather he concentrates on creating magical and emotional music which set by hard edged guitar solos, nice keyboard solos, driving rhythm sections, and some chainging paces. My favorite tunes are "Kim", "Should've Known", "All That He Can Be", "Natural Gift", and so on. Highlight tune is definately epic and long track, "Brightest Star" having three parts, which start from acoustic and clean guitar dominated parts to intense and driving progressive rock sections with lots of energy and soulful vocal performance.

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VARIOUS ARTISTS
Uli Jon Roth: Beyond Inspiration - A Tribute to Uli Jon Roth
Lion Music
(2003)

Since 90s, there have been lots of tribute albums released continuously. As I remember that Magna Carta is one of most enthusiastic labels offering prog rock-tribute albums besides Shrapnel Records also releasing hard rock and blues tribute albums. In the case of Lion Music, they also have released a few incredible tribute albums, for instance, Jason Becker tribute and this tribute, Uli Jon Roth: Beyond Inspiration. Uli Jon Roth is one of most influential and legendary guitar players in the scene of rock music. Lion Music artists pay homage to classic Scorpions tracks and Uli's original music on this album. Amazingly, there are tons of great guitarists, singers, drummers, bassists, and band members joining the forces to play energetic hard rock tracks. Esp., I am very impressed with the classic hard rock tracks like "Electric Suns", "Sails of Charon", and "Firewind". In recent years, probably I have not listened to many rock music of legendary rock music like Uli Jon Roth quite often besides prog and metal in general. This tribute brings me back to the era of how rock music was influential and huge among youngsters. In the case of Beyond Inspiration album, I think Lance King (ex. Balance of Power), Cyril Achard, James Byrd, Joop Walters (Arabesque), Lars Eric Mattson, Tony Hernando, Alex Masi, William Stravato, and Alf Wemmerlind (Mister Kite) performed very best in particular. As long as I listened to this album, I realized that Lion Music have become a really important label for quality musicians and bands. Beyond Inspiration captures the moments that how each musician put their soul and heart into their loving Uli Jon Roth music. One of best tribute albums I have heard in recent years.

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Royal Hunt-Paradox
Magna Carta

Alreadly I have spent listening to this amazing melodic hard rock album for several times, but I never got bored. Basically, the music of Royal Hunt is based on Neo-Classical Metal, such as Yngwie Malmsteen and European Melodic Hard Music, such as Europe, Pretty Maids, and TNT with the elements of strong songwriting and great vocal harmonies. As I listen to their music very carefully, I noticed that Andre Andersen (keyboard player) has strong initiative. Just like Yngwie Malmsteen band and Europe, Massive keyboard sounds and lead performance has been amusing my ears and soul. Of course, each member of Royal Hunt is very proficient musicians who can dramatize and support swelling melodic music. Clearly, we can hear bass runnning. Moreover, drum sounds are really nice and crisp. Guitar player sometimes make short shreds and enhounce strong melodies. On this album, we can hear melodic speedy songs, soft-slow songs and containing single-hit postential songs. At glance, Paradox is concept story that one guy who has been fighting to survive and having deep thoughts about world, religion, and himself. I can tell that Royal Hunt's Paradox is one of great concept album made in progressive Rock and HR/HM history along with Marillion-Brave, Queensryche-Operation Mindcrime, Savatage-Streets:A Rock Opera, Shadow Gallery-Tyranny, and so on (Just name a few). Probably, it is good to look through the lyrics of Paradox carefully. They do not focus on philosophical theme like other progressive metal bands, but Andre Andersen seems to be curious about life itself and situation in the world. Not only is thir music great, but also each song on Paradox stands out pretty good. I think DC Cooper is the key to make this album excellent besides Andre Andersen. When I listened to first song on this album for the first time, I did not like the voice of DC Coooper. However, when 2nd song started.. I admited that he is superb vocalist. His singing style is kind of operatic, yet having powerful voice. I realized that he has so much potential to grow their music in the furute. However, he decided to leave this band. It is kind of sad story. Royal Hunt missed great postential to grow much better in my opinion. No matter whatever happened to between Andre Andersen and DC Cooper, Royal Hunt offered very strong materials and good music. If they released this album in 80s, probably they would have similar positions like Europe and TNT. Soundproduction is very good. I find no boring songs on this album. This album is must item for melodic metal fans who have ever enjoyed Europe-Out Of This World, Yngwie Malmsteen-Fire And Ice/Eclipse, and TNT-Intuition. Overall, Royal Hunt made great music fairly good. I would like to give.

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Jordan Rudess - Feeding The Wheel
Magna Carta
(2001)

Feeding The Wheel is one of recent Jordan Rudess's solo albums. Since Jordan Rudess joined Dream Theater, Jordan Rudess has been quickly known as one of most important technical keyboard players in recent prog community. This album features Jordan Rudess's intense keyboard playing along with other notable rock/prog musicians, such as Terry Bozzio, Steve Morse, John Petrucci, and so on. Of course, lots of tasty keyboard playings by Jordan Rudess are displayed, but at the same time there are lots of great guitar playings and intense instrumental parts featured. Overall, the mood is a bit lighter side comparing with Dream Theater. If you are into fusion/jazzy-esque rock instrumentals, this one is for you.

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