STANDING IN STILLNESS

This band is made up of three members of LEGER DE MAIN and a former member of ANDEAVOR.The three members from LEGER DE MAIN all have the same last names because two are brothers and the singer Melissa is married to one of them.The music is complex and melodic, much in the FATES WARNING / RUSH style. The female singer has a good smooth vocal delivery, and if you have heard LEGER DE MAIN you'll know what to expect.

"Magic to Breathe" is Melissa singing without any backup instrumentation at all.This is brave, but for me it makes me cringe. It doesn't work at all. Thankfully it's just over a minute in length. "In Solitude" has some amazing drum work as well as guitars especially 3 minutes in. "Standing In Stillness" has a heavy intro that dies when the vocals come in. The instrumental passages are so impressive. "Battled Beliefs" has a nice little drum intro. Riffing is right behind along with double tracked vocals that occur often on this album. There is a scalding solo 3 minutes in and the drums and guitars that follow are fantastic.

"A Dim Too Dark" opens with strummed guitar and vocals. Some heaviness comes in and the instrumental passage has a definite RUSH feel to it. Nice.The song ends as it began. More double tracked vocals on "Flash of Red" and the lyrics here and throughout are very meaningful. "Truth Undiscovered" is a guitar lovers dream. From intricate melodies, to riffs, to solos. Impressive.

It bothers me that I can't get into the vocals but I can't. The drumming,bass and at times dual lead guitars are so well done. I suggest if you're into metal to give this a try, you may love the vocals because I am sure i'm in the minority with my dislike for them.