OF SUN AND MOON

Of Sun and Moon is Overhead's fourth studio album released in 2012 ten years after their first album. While they may not be too prolific in output what they lack in quantity they certainly make up for in quality. This is an excellent recording. I am not sure why they are classed as Crossover Prog, this sounds like modern progressive rock grading into prog metal on some tracks.

They havn't tried to emulate the sound of the 1970's but have come up with their own refreshing sound. I remember one reviewer on Progarchives using the term "hard-edged prog" when discussing a Riverside album. That's a fitting discription of the music of Overhead. There is not a dull moment on the entire disk.

The musicianship is first rate, there is plenty of variation between the tracks so they are not repeating the same style track after track. The flute playing of Alex Keskitalo is not as prominent on this album as some of their previous recording, it is used more sparingly but where it appears it is applied to good effect. Alex Keskitalo vocals are good, he has a distinctive voice which is immediately recognizable.

Its hard to pick out a favourite track as most are excellent although track 8 "Alive" would be a standout.

I am not a big fan of progmetal, as it seems to have run its course, with many of the more established bands seemingly run out of ideas (eg. Dream Theater). While it is certainly not prog metal there are many passages throughout the album that morph into a more metallic style but it sounds fresh, innovative and interesting. This should be compulsory listening for all prog metal bands then they might refrain for rehashing the same old sounds.

So in conclusion this is a superb recording, well worth a four star rating.