ANDROMEDA

Third album from this Italian band. They like to release albums every three years. Unlike the previous two Andromeda was released on the Musea label, known for releasing Zeuhl albums. But like the previous Zed, this album does not have much Zeuhl influence. Besides the few Zeuhl moments this is a mix of prog-metal, RPI and symphonic prog. Lots of heavy guitar riffs. These guys love their guitar riffs and there is plenty on this album.

Although not as Zeuhl as some other albums, this is the most consistent RT album I have heard yet. But consistency does not always equal quality. This album just lacks more of the weaker moments on other albums. There are no real stand out parts here. The singing is in Italian. Lots of choir parts done on keyboards. I think there is only one singer here, compared to earlier albums which had female vocals. No extra musicians either. Just vocals, guitar, keyboards, samplers, drums & bass.

"Kontakt" starts with a spacey and symphonic part at low volume. Then piano, drums and guitars. After 6 minutes there is an interesting section. I like the guitars here. "Tempus Fugiens?" has some Kobaian like vocals before the guitars come in. There is a violin part done on synth. After 7 minutes there is a good guitar solo. "OD.: OB.:"(what a title, the periods are supposed to look like a pyramid) has some really good vocals at the start. After 3 minutes it goes into an atmospheric section with talk-singing.

"Kadman Neso" has heavy guitar riffs. It mellows out in the middle. Then a part with great vocals and guitar. Mellower parts then alternate with that guitar/vocal part. Ends with a great drum fill. "Andros Medoman" has marching drums after 3 minutes. Some weird synth noises, then organ-sounding synth. After 5 minutes there is a good riff with some great drumwork. Then the tempo picks up and it goes into a different riff. Slows down with the previous riff again.

The playing and production is good. The compositions are average to good. I was slightly let down with this release. I was expecting more. However, I am listening to the next album on the band's website while I type this review; I can already hear an improvement over Andromeda. This album gets 3 stars.