THE GATES OF NEVER

"The Gates of Never" is the second full-length studio album by Russian progressive rock act Apple Pie. The album was independently released in April 2013. It´s the successor to "Crossroad" from April 2007. So it´s been 5 years almost to the date since the release of "Crossroad" and only lead vocalist/guitarist/keyboard player Vartan Mkhitaryan and drummer Andrey Golodukhin remain from the lineup who recorded the debut album. Maybe a bit of an eye catcher Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Planet X, Yngwie Malmsteen...etc.) guests on keyboards.

Stylistically Apple Pie still play a progressive rock/metal style which is greatly influenced by Dream Theater but also by American progressive rock/metal artists like Spock´s Beard and Thought Chamber. "The Gates of Never" is however decidedly heavier and more metal oriented than "Crossroad", and even features some growling extreme metal vocals. Apple Pie construct pretty complex songs, featuring many different sections, and the material on the album is generally very well composed, featuring both heavy and more melodic pop/rock oriented moments. As mentioned it´s the heavier side of the band´s sound that we hear the most on "The Gates of Never" though.

The album features 7 tracks and a total playing time of 45:14 minutes. In reality it´s actually only 4 tracks as the "Letters of a Deadman - Part I-IV" are connected and form an almost 25 minutes long track. Album closer "Strange Feeling Called Love" features a total playing time of 15:25 minutes, so Apple Pie generally compose long tracks. It´s fully warranted though as the compositions are intriguing, ever shifting, and interesting throughout.

"The Gates of Never" features a professional, clear, and detailed sound production, which suits the material perfectly, and the musical performances from all involved are also top notch. Mkhitaryan (who is the main composer) has a strong voice and an emotional and skillful delivery and the instrumental performances are tight and technical as this kind of music demands. So while the material on "The Gates of Never" perhaps isn´t the most unique in sound and style, the album as a whole is still a high quality product, and a 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.