CONTAGION

I know i'm in the minority here but I really feel this album is a step backwards for the band after two great records in "The Visitor" and "Immortal ?". After enjoying Sowden's vocals on "Immortal ?" so much I have to agree with stonebeard that they come off as sounding "hard rock" on this release. I just couldn't get into this album at all. Maybe it was because i've been enjoying some melodic rock by ENCHANT and THRESHOLD lately that sounds better than this album does. I don't know. I was looking forward to this release because of the advertised heaviness, but it didn't deliver in my opinion.

Some of the highlights for me are "Painted Man" with the heavy drums, organ and mellotron. Vocals arrive with some screaming guitar later. The guitar to end the song reminded me of Eddie Van Halen's work. "This Way Madness Lies" has such a good melody with bass and keys, but this is a guitar driven instrumental and my favourite track. "Spectre At the Feast" is a mellow tune until you can hear the guitar start to grind some melodies out.

"Skin Game" has some heavy passages that come and go, and I like the melody 3 minutes in. The guitar that follows sounds beautiful as do the harmonies to end the song. "On the Box" has some great guitar that just goes on and on. From here to the end of the album is really hit or miss with me. "The City Of Lanterns" is a refreshing change with lots of atmosphere. "Mea Culpa" is a dramatic tune with piano and vocals leading the way. There is a nice full sound after 2 minutes on "Cutting the Cards". The final song "Asension" has some powerful vocals and is a great closer.

My favourite tracks are the instrumentals "This Way Madness Lies" and "On the Box" , while "Skin Game" would round out my top three. Overall 3 stars.