COLORS

For a number of years now, I've been looking for a band with this kind of talent AND such an incredible songwriting ability. Sure, I appreciate technical music, but I can't listen to music that's only technical. This isn't a compromise between song and musicianship, it's the perfect fusion of the two.

From beginning to end, this album just grabs me. The metal parts are heavy, brutal, and fast, the clean parts are beautiful and exceptionally well-written, and the random other parts...ranging from Gentle Giant-esque madness to amazing climaxes that sit confidently alongside Genesis and other greats...just complete the painting. Of particular note to any bassists out there is Dan Briggs brilliant solo during the track Viridian (although his playing on the rest of the album is nothing short of ground-breaking). I can't pick a favorite track, not for the usual reasons, but because this whole album sounds like one long work to me. This album more than any other I've ever listened to just sounds right. There's nothing missing, and nothing sounds out of place. I never feel like I want to skip a track or lose interest. This album, to me, has expanded my scope of what can be achieved by a band/musician and is in my opinion the definition of essential.

I disagree with the above review giving Colors 4 out of 5 because some people might not like it. Since when was prog about anyone liking it? If somebody doesn't get it, that's their fault and it is not a poor reflection on the album. Also, the guest vocalist for Prequel To The Sequel is NOT the guy from 30 Seconds To Mars, it's the singer from Fear Before The March Of Flames (not 100% sure, but it's definitely not Leto, read it on their myspace somewhere). Slightly against the guidelines, but I think it's a valid point.