BEYOND DREAMS

Ever since their third release it never ceases to amaze me how consistent this band is. The first two albums were there to mature and after that they grabbed their momentum to never let go anymore. And that's quite an achievement. Also with this first one in the new millenium they haven't done a stap back really. Another album full of winners and high quality music.

And the high quality goes for both execution as composition. These men are so good in writing songs of medium (prog)length (7-12 minutes) of which they made several dozens through the years. It suits them best obviously and it's incredible how they keep writing them on and on. Highlights are the two opening tracks Before the Sunrise and Let us be Amazed which are even slightly better than excellent in my opinion. The rest is slightly less but that's hardly surprising I would say.

In the end also this album is easily good enough for a four star reward, maybe somewhat rounded up from 3,8 or 3,9 but there is no doubt for me. My champions of consistency.