PSYKERION

With half of tracks being interludes and goofy sci-fi titles such as Kerakryps and Behind the eyes of ikk (which actually mixes sci-fi metal and Guns'n'Roses-style boogie metal), you could pardon one for being skeptical. But luckily I knew this studio project from their debut, a competent and energetic take on familiar Dream Theater format. The difference from the debut is that second album relies less on epic metal plus shredding formula (although there are plenty solos here), and pays more homage to 70s classicist influences. Tracks that wouldn't be out of place on a folksy Yes or Kansas. Some bluesy and jazzy influences as well. The structure of the album with interludes and shortened songs is designed to give a cinematic experience for this story-driven concept. No, there is no easy way out to listen to the proper tracks and skip the fillings. You'll have to listen it all. But it will be trippy and remind you of a chopped salad.