ALCHEMY X

The music on "11:59:59" is progressive metal and pretty much continue where the music on "A Delicate Balance (1999)" left off. That means pretty standard nineties progressive metal influenced at various points by artists like Dream Theater, Fates Warning and Symphony X. The instrumental musicianship is decent and lead vocalist Bob Mitchell, who has taken over the vocal duties from Martin Morin since the release of the debut album, does a decent job too. The sound production is a bit of an issue, which was also an issue I had with the debut album, so it´s a bit disappointing that Alchemy X have not done something about it for this release. If anything the sound production is even weaker on "11:59:59" than was the case on "A Delicate Balance (1999)".

Unfortunately the songwriting has not improved either, and again we´re treated to some rather generic sounding progressive metal that desperately seems to scream for something original or memorable for the listener to hold on to. Like the case was with "A Delicate Balance (1999)", this album isn´t completely bad or anything like that, but it´s just very standard quality material and a 3 star (60%) rating is fair.

The music on "A Delicate Balance" is what I would call traditional nineties progressive metal (progressive metal with keyboards, although the keyboards are not the dominant instrument on the album. That's the guitars). I hear influences from acts like Dream Theater, Fates Warning and Symphony X. The band are relatively well playing and lead vocalist Martin Morin is fairly skilled. The vocal melodies aren't that memorable though and it's in the songwriting department that Alchemy X aren't comparable to the artists mentioned above. The sound production, while not terrible or anything like that, also leaves a bit to be desired. It simply lacks power.

So while "A Delicate Balance" is a professional sounding release and it's relatively enjoyable while it plays, it doesn't exactly leave a lasting impression, or provide Alchemy X with a recognisable signature sound. To my ears they are pretty generic sounding and an example of very standard quality nineties progressive metal. Still a 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.